Participation or direction? Dilemmas in utilising participatory methods

ABSTRACT

This paper will explore the dichotomy of direction and stimulus through a reflection on arts-based methods used in a research study into post-industrial communities in South Wales and consider whether in participatory processes, a catalyst for artistic creativity could become construed as researcher-led control over the activities. Through an examination of the methods and outcomes of the project, which employed a range of qualitative methods with an artistic and creative basis, I reflect on the positives and negatives of such an approach and also consider how my positionality affected my epistemological stance. Ultimately, I conclude that the complex storying of participatory activities and the issues of power and identity involving both researcher and participants inevitably means that the research ‘dance’ blurs the distinction between participation and direction.

KEYWORDS:

• Co-production
• power
• creativity
• direction
• representations

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Peter Davies

Peter Davies received his doctorate from Cardiff University for his work on the social significance of artistic representations of former coal and steel communities. His research interests include the significance of sense of place and belonging for post-industrial regions, and the use of qualitative methods such as arts-based interventions, including writing and visual methods, to facilitate representations for communities facing social and economic hardships.