Participatory action research, sacred existential epistemology, the eighth moment of qualitative research and beyond…

Participatory action research, sacred existential epistemology, the eighth moment of qualitative research and beyond…

[Abstract]: This paper discusses how, in a doctoral study, a collaborative methodology employing Participatory Action Research was embraced, upholding respectful relationships and partnerships that generated co-construction of change in two preschool settings. Participatory Action Research signifies an epistemology that underpins the belief that knowledge is embedded in social relationships and is most influential when produced collaboratively through action. This paper also explains how the research group moved away from the label of feminist poststructuralist researchers towards a feminist communitarian ethic. Such an ethic is underpinned by a sacred existential epistemology that values empowerment, morally involved observers, shared governance, love, care, community, solidarity and civic transformation. This epistemology is based on a philosophical anthropology that affirms all human beings, without exception, are worthy of dignity and ‘sacred status’. The paper concludes by locating the research firmly in what Denzin and Lincoln (2005) refer to as the eighth moment of qualitative research. This moment is marked by researchers concerned with social justice, liberation methodology and moral purpose.

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