Participatory Research Approaches with Youth: Ethics, Engagement, and Meaningful Action

In this manuscript, we explore the promise and challenges of youth participatory action research (YPAR), paying particular attention to ethical issues and power dynamics that emerge in the context of research partnerships between youth and adults. We begin by reviewing the key tenets of YPAR and the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of community psychology 2021-09, Vol.68 (1-2), p.142-153
Main Authors: Teixeira, Samantha, Augsberger, Astraea, Richards‐Schuster, Katie, Sprague Martinez, Linda
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Community involvement
Community research
Community‐based participatory research (CBPR)
Meaning
Medical ethics
Participatory
Participatory action research
Participatory research
Power structure
Research ethics
White supremacy
Youth
Youth development
Youth engagement
Youth participation
Youth participatory action research (YPAR)
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Summary:In this manuscript, we explore the promise and challenges of youth participatory action research (YPAR), paying particular attention to ethical issues and power dynamics that emerge in the context of research partnerships between youth and adults. We begin by reviewing the key tenets of YPAR and then go on to discuss how these tenets are often at odds with dominant approaches to research. We describe the tension between the values of YPAR and the systems and structures embedded in the academy. Further, we elucidate how adultism and the capitalist nature of the academy intersect with white supremacy culture, posing significant barriers to meaningful youth participation in community research partnerships. We then describe ways in which participatory scholars can disrupt these systems as well as larger paradigm shifts in the culture of academia that will be required to elevate youth voices and to amplify their efforts for equity. Highlights A recent surge in youth activism may provide opportunities for youth‐focused scholars to engage. Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) may be a useful vehicle for amplifying youth voice. Adultism and incompatible structures in academia pose barriers to youth engagement in research. An emphasis on systems‐level change will be necessary to move YPAR forward.
ISSN:0091-0562
1573-2770
DOI:10.1002/ajcp.12501