Transformative potential of participatory research: deconstructing power relations between a child and an adult

Abstract

Transformative potential of participatory research with children as participants is reflected in promoting the image of the child as an active actor in the social community, an equal partner whose voice is heard and appreciated, as well as in a critical reconsideration of an adult- centred perspective in research, based on hierarchical power relations between children and adults. The paper critically discusses the theoretical and methodological grounds which serve as the basis for the adult- centred perspective and analyses the factors that have significantly contributed to the change in research paradigm when it comes to the status of children in research: critical re- examination of methodology and objectives of certain social sciences, the movements calling for the emancipation of marginalised social groups and new policies in the field of protecting children's rights. Transformative potential of participatory research is discussed both from the perspective of the role and position of adults in research process (adults' responsibility: personal and epistemological reflexivity) and the relationship between adults and children in research (the change of attitudes towards children and redefining the traditional roles of adults and children: the cooperative vs. hierarchical model of power), as well as in relation to: the change in the position of research participants (children), visibility of their perspective in public discourse and the development of competences and values important for living in a democratic society.