Disrupting edges – opening spaces: pursuing democracy and human flourishing through creative methodologies

Abstract

In this paper, we explore how the use of critical creativity as methodology can democratise, and enliven, both process and product of qualitative research. This, we believe, is important if we are concerned with inclusive, collaborative research which aims to change the material circumstances of people's lives and, simultaneously, nurture the human flourishing of participants in the research. One of our concerns is to find ways which enable more people to be more fully involved in the processes of such research and to speak, and be heard, thus enlarging conversations for change. This can be achieved, to some extent, by using the creative arts, intuition, performance, imagination and the wisdom of the body. Here, we use three examples from our practices as critically creative social researchers to explore and illustrate these themes in addition to offering ideas for researchers wishing to enlarge their practices.

Keywords:

• Critical creativity
• inclusive collaborative research
• conversations for social change

Notes

1. This research is the doctoral work of Janette Welsby. Debbie Horsfall is one of the supervisors.

2. Target is a large general retail chain.