Journal Articles

Emancipation or workability?: Critical versus pragmatic scientific orientation in action research

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In this article a distinction between a pragmatic and a critical orientation of action research is made.
These orientations can be considered, implicitly or explicitly, to be the main alternatives in AR today.
What are the assumptions behind, and practical implications for, AR projects with different orientations?
A number of themes are introduced where a tension between the two are identified and illustrated in the form of a dialogue and friendly quarrel between proponents from each side. It is argued that the two orientations suit different research contexts and cannot easily be combined. The pragmatic orientation is well suited for contexts where concerted and immediate action is needed, whereas the critical is preferable where transformative action needs to be preceded by critical thinking and reflection. In the former, power to act is a desired outcome, and in the latter, unequal and invisible power relations need to be unveiled before they can be transformed. The responsibility of the researcher, as well as the form of knowledge developed, differs between the two orientations.

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Detail Information

Series Title

Action Research

Call Number

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Publisher

California : Sage Publications., 2008

Collation

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Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

1476-7503

Classification

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Content Type

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Media Type

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Carrier Type

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Edition

Vol. 6, No. 1, Page 95-115

Subject(s)

Dialogue
Critical orientation
Critical theory
Emancipation
Pragmatic orientation
Emancipation or workability

Specific Detail Info

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Statement of Responsibility

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