Researching ‘democracy’ in action
Keywords:
democracy, social change, alternative politics, action researcher's role, AR overcoming neoliberalismAbstract
This paper discusses my doctoral research experience of action research as a process toward positive social change, which challenges the dominant undemocratic paradigm and creates possibilities for a more ‘democratic’ one through conflicts and negotiations. In my PhD research, I undertook a unique role as a ‘Cooperator’ working for a local tourism association to improve the situation of Niseko, an international tourist destination in rural Japan. Finding that people’s diverse voices and values nurtured in the community were undermined by an ethos of a ‘money-making community’ in neoliberal environment, I engaged in collaborative inquiry with the association’s staff members on what could be done. Although the struggles and conflicts led to relationship-building challenges with local stakeholder, the collaborative inquiry disrupted the status quo, creating opportunity to explore alternative possibilities. This experience in turn led me to consider the AR principles from the perspective of social change.
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