Research

Co-creation, action and community knowledge
Research

Participatory and grassroots research for social transformation

Our approach to learning and knowledge creation is deeply rooted in the principles of participatory and grassroots research. We believe that authentic knowledge is not handed down but is co-constructed through dialogue and critical reflection on our lived experiences. At Freire Institute, we actively engage in and support research that embodies these principles to develop understanding, build capacity, and drive meaningful social change.
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What is participatory and grassroots research?

This type of research moves away from traditional models where researchers are seen as detached experts. Instead, it emphasizes collaboration, shared ownership, and action-oriented inquiry. It involves:
  • Prioritizing the perspectives and experiences of individuals and communities who are often excluded from mainstream research and decision-making processes.
  • Promoting dialogue and collaboration among researchers, community members, and other stakeholders throughout the entire research process – from identifying the research question to disseminating the findings.
  • Aiming not only to understand the world but also to transform it. The research process is intrinsically linked to taking action to address identified issues and promote social justice.
  • Helping individuals and communities to develop their own research skills and knowledge, encouraging self-determination and sustainable change.

Our research principles

Knowledge from the ground up

Social knowledge and lived experiences are central to our approach. Participatory research seeks to uncover and amplify this knowledge, challenging top-down approaches to understanding.

Dialogue and collaboration

Participatory research depends upon open communication, co-creation, mutual respect, and shared learning among all participants.

Conscientization and critical reflection

Our research encourages participants to examine their realities critically, understand the root causes of social problems, and develop a deeper awareness of their own agency and power.

Praxis: Action and reflection

Participatory research involves a continuous process of action and reflection. We act upon our understanding of the world, reflect on the outcomes, and then refine our actions based on that reflection

Empowerment and social justice

By actively involving those who are powerless or oppressed in the research process, we aim to help them to become agents of their own change.

Why partner with us?

Engaging in participatory research with us gives you:
  • Deeper, more authentic insights: Generate richer, nuanced understanding grounded in the lived realities and contexts of those most affected.
  • Actionable and relevant findings: Co-designing research ensures questions and findings are relevant, leading to community-driven solutions and practical applications.
  • Increased ownership and sustainability: Collaborative processes promote shared ownership of both the findings and subsequent actions, making positive changes more likely to be sustained.
  • Enhanced community and organizational capacity: Build lasting skills in research, critical analysis, collaboration, and advocacy within partner communities and organizations.
  • Ethical and respectful engagement: Our commitment is to processes built on transparency, mutual respect, equitable partnerships, and shared benefit.

Pedagogia: Journal of Critical Pedagogy and Popular Education

Pedagogia: Journal of Critical Pedagogy and Popular Education is a new, open access, peer reviewed journal. We are interested in critical, feminist, antiracist and postcolonial pedagogies, as well as a range of critical learning practices and participatory action research.

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