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Modelling Inclusion: Using Participatory Methods for Equitable Research on Inequalities in Marginalized Groups

Author

Listed:
  • Rachel Julian

    (School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS2 3HE, UK)

  • Ghazala Mir

    (School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK)

  • Riddhi Singh

    (School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK)

  • on behalf of the PEI Partners

    (The members of the Study Group are listed in Acknowledgments.)

Abstract

This paper explores the methodological implications, processes, and opportunities relating to the use of participatory approaches in the study of intersecting inequalities. Within the context of an international, interdisciplinary project (Partnerships for Equality and Inclusion (PEI)), four sub-projects elected to use participatory methodologies to engage with marginalized and excluded communities so that their needs, voices, and knowledge were included in the data collection process and the dissemination of findings at micro (community) and macro (policy) levels. The four project teams in Kenya, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Nigeria engaged with training and research processes so that participants with lived experience could contribute both as peer researchers and in focus groups that contributed study data. In this paper, we bring together the findings and learning from each project about how these methods contributed to equity in the research process. We conclude with insights and recommendations on how participatory methods can enable an intersectional and grounded perspective from people facing multiple inequalities in periods of crisis and political change.

Suggested Citation

  • Rachel Julian & Ghazala Mir & Riddhi Singh & on behalf of the PEI Partners, 2025. "Modelling Inclusion: Using Participatory Methods for Equitable Research on Inequalities in Marginalized Groups," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:10:p:275-:d:1761544
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ghazala Mir & Naureen Durrani & Rachel Julian & Yasah Kimei & Saidur Mashreky & T. T. Duong Doan, 2024. "Social Inclusion and Sustainable Development: Findings from Seven African and Asian Contexts," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-22, June.
    2. Chambers, Robert, 1994. "The origins and practice of participatory rural appraisal," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 22(7), pages 953-969, July.
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