ABSTRACT

This paper explores the potential for using approaches and methods from anthropology to address inequalities and work with marginalised, voiceless groups to engage actively in decisions that affect them. We test and illustrate participatory action research (PAR) methods from anthropology that seek to understand tacit/implicit knowledge and values that may only be revealed through the study of day-to-day practices, behaviours and discourse over longer timescales. This is done through a case study of a planned development in Malta that included 170 interviews supported by situated listening and observation, observational visits over a period of time to the site and surrounding areas and public/stakeholder formal/informal meetings and workshops. Ethnographic methods helped build trust during the planning process, creating a communicative bridge for knowledge sharing. This qualitative research provided new insights based on tacit and implicit knowledge and values, highlighting specific subtleties, critical awareness, empathy and observational capacity, which are essential ingredients in socially just PAR. This included new insights into the way participation was shaped by broader socio-political contexts. By eliciting, analysing and integrating ‘knowledges’ in this way, action researchers can contribute to more socially equitable opportunities to participate and share power in knowledge creation.

摘要

本文探讨了使用人类学的方法和方法解决不平等问题并与边缘化、无发言权的群体合作积极参与影响他们的决策的潜力。我们测试并说明了人类学中的参与式行动研究 (PAR) 方法，这些方法旨在了解默会/内隐知识和价值观，而这些知识和价值观可能只能通过对较长时间范围内的日常​​实践、行为和话语的研究来揭示。这是通过对马耳他计划开发的案例研究完成的，其中包括 170 次访谈，这些访谈由现场聆听和观察、一段时间内对现场和周边地区的观察访问以及公众/利益相关者的正式/非正式会议和研讨会提供支持。人种学方法有助于在规划过程中建立信任，为知识共享搭建沟通桥梁。这项定性研究提供了基于隐性和隐性知识和价值观的新见解，突出了特定的微妙之处、批判意识、同理心和观察能力，这些都是社会公正 PAR 的基本要素。这包括对更广泛的社会政治背景影响参与方式的新见解。通过以这种方式获取、分析和整合“知识”，行动研究人员可以为参与和分享知识创造的权力提供更多的社会公平机会。这包括对更广泛的社会政治背景影响参与方式的新见解。通过以这种方式获取、分析和整合“知识”，行动研究人员可以为参与和分享知识创造的权力提供更多的社会公平机会。这包括对更广泛的社会政治背景影响参与方式的新见解。通过以这种方式获取、分析和整合“知识”，行动研究人员可以为参与和分享知识创造的权力提供更多的社会公平机会。