I wonder how qualitative research methodologies can be adapted to truly co-produce knowledge with marginalised communities, ensuring that they are not just participants but equal partners in shaping research outcomes?

Speaker(s):

Sylvana Walcott, Sedulous Collective CIC

Abstract:

In this lightning talk, I explore the question: "I wonder how qualitative research methodologies can be adapted to truly co-produce knowledge with marginalised communities, ensuring that they are not just participants but equal partners in shaping research outcomes?" Traditional qualitative research often extracts knowledge from communities rather than centring them as co-creators. At Sedulous Collective, we challenge this by embracing non-extractive, participatory and decolonised research approaches that prioritise equity, reciprocity and shared power. I will discuss how methodologies such as ethnography, grounded theory and participatory action research can be adapted to foster meaningful collaboration. Using real-world examples, I’ll reflect on the challenges and ethical tensions in co-production and invite discussion on how researchers can shift from knowledge extraction to co-creation. How can we reshape research relationships so that communities are not just researched but are recognised as producers of knowledge, policy and change?