Synopses & Reviews
Drawing on in-depth case studies written by women who are survivors of interpersonal violence, this book examines the nature of participatory research in the social sciences and its role in increasing research participation among vulnerable or marginalized populations. In so doing, Participatory Research details how inclusion and collaboration can be enhanced among vulnerable research participantssuch as those with profound learning difficulties, victims of abuse and trauma, and children and young peopleand shows how useful the approach can be with these groups. Also exploring important ethical issues and challenges associated with participatory research, this book will be an invaluable resource for an international audience of research methods students, researchers, and academics seeking to put participatory research methods into practice.
Review
“An invaluable resource for researchers and health and social care practitioners. Jo Aldridge distils her extensive experience of working in participatory ways with ‘vulnerable’ groups into a fascinating and accessible volume, using a range of case studies to offer detailed insights into innovative methods that can enhance autonomy, control, and emancipation.”
Review
“A thoughtful, clearly written book which makes a valuable contribution to knowledge about participatory research with marginalized groups of people. Of particular interest is the application of creative narrative approaches to researching with diverse groups.”
Synopsis
The use of creative writing as a route to personal development is a powerful therapeutic tool - a fact that is recognized in the growing numbers of workshops and writing groups within professional contexts, including clinical, health and criminal justice settings. Writing Works is a guide for writers or therapists working with groups or individuals and is full of practical advice on everything from the equipment needed to run a session to ideas for themes, all backed up by the theory that underpins the methods explained. Experienced practitioners in the field contribute detailed illuminating accounts of organizing writing workshops for a wide range of different clients, together with examples of their outcomes. This book will be an invaluable start-up reference for arts therapists and professionals working across the health, social care and caring professions, and one that will be referred to again and again.
About the Author
Jo Aldridge is professor of social policy and criminology and director of the Young Carers Research Group at Loughborough University, UK. She is a coauthor of Children Caring for Parents with Mental Illness: Perspectives of Young Carers, Parents and Professionals, Growing Together: A Practice Guide to Promoting Social Inclusion through Gardening and Horticulture, and Health, Well-Being and Social Inclusion: Therapeutic Horticulture in the UK, all also published by Policy Press.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Participation, ‘vulnerability’ and voice
Participatory research with children and young people
Involving people with learning difficulties in participatory research
Participatory research with victims of abuse and trauma –
Women victims-survivors of domestic violence
Participatory research: interpretation, representation and transformation
Advancing participatory research