This thesis aims at identifying the principles and characteristics of participatory action research (PAR) in order to clarify the practice of and dialogue on PAR. The discussion of principles and characteristics are contextualised by providing an outline of the origin of PAR. Conceptual clarification is provided by investigating the methodological and epistemological status of PAR as well as issues surrounding PAR’s relationship with action research and participatory research. Based on this investigation, it is argued that action research, participatory research and PAR should be considered as three research methodologies or methodological approaches which together constitute a new methodological paradigm.

An investigation into the key principles and characteristics of PAR found that the principle of participation proved to be most central to all the phases of PAR. Participation itself is closely - even causally - linked to two further principles: the importance of establishing a subject-subject relationship between change agents and participants, and the requirement that local knowledge should be incorporated in the study. The action objective of PAR is also considered as one of its central principles, which is first and foremost conceptualised as the mobilisation and promotion of people’s collectives. Both participation and action closely relate to a further principle of PAR, that is, empowerment - political and in other respects. Empowerment is itself a means to achieve another goal and also principle of PAR, that is, to generate participants’ autonomy.

The above-mentioned principles are reflected in the research methods which are employed for data collection, analysis and interpretation. Mostly qualitative methods are used, while some more unconventional methods have been developed by PAR scholars, enabling them to better realise the participatory objectives of PAR. The diffusion of research results is also done in a manner which adheres to the principle of participation and conforms to the requirement that participants’ interests and culture have to be respected. Another principle which provides insight into the nature of PAR is that - in contrast to most other research methodologies - it is considered to be a cyclical or emergent process, not a linear one. Finally, PAR’s view that knowledge and its production is a political issue is also considered a principle of PAR, given that it has profound implications for the way in which it PAR is practised as a research methodology.

Principles such as those identified are, however, problematised by practice. The scholarly reporting of results not only contradict the principle of participation, but can be criticised on the grounds that they lack clarity and ignore problematic issues relating to the degree of participation feasible. Limitations that could impinge on both the extreme degree of participation required and the transformational action goals of PAR lend support for the argument that in reality PAR is an ideal to strive for, rather than something which could be attained easily in practice. This would also imply that other participatory research methodologies could be measured against this “ideal type”.

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