Participatory action research: Promoting partnership between a social work team and mothers of hemophiliac children

Abstract

This article focuses on a participatory action research project as a process for improving social work practice and empowering mothers with hemophiliac children. Four stages of the action research are presented in this study. The research played a critical consciousness-raising and capacity-building role facilitating the mothers’ transformation from passive victims to active subjects. In addition, participatory action research contributed to identifying the emerging needs of families with hemophiliac children and improving the quality of social work services. We concluded that participatory action research is an effective way to empower disadvantaged people. This research methodology also facilitates social work practice in a non-traditional field. It is argued that participatory action research as a way of empowering the vulnerable also entails risks as attempts to redistribute power may earn further stigmatization and discrimination, especially from those whose existing power is challenged. Social work, as a profession committed to a more just and equal society, should be wary of this further stigmatization and insist on principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversity. The article concludes by examining the limitations of employing participatory action research and makes recommendations for future programs.