Participatory Action Research in Argentina: New expressions at the field of social movement’s militant action. An account of experience

In this article, a critical and reflective journey of two participatory action research experiences in educational processes of young people and adults, developed by social organisations during the 2000s in Argentina, a stage of resistance to neoliberalism and social rise is proposed. First we present the theoretical / methodological concept and function of the IAP (Investigación Acción Participativa) for social movements in the production of knowledge. We then focus on the stage of socialisation and feedback between students, teachers and the research area team. We define this moment’s pedagogical function based on Victor Turner concept of rite of passage, de-structuring and structuring the subject, putting in tension and enabling the relationship of the individual and the social, the other and us, and from there establishing the relationship between IAP and Popular Education in the experience. Finally, we describe and reflect on the educational project called “The world is becoming”, a pedagogical proposal of IAP from social mapping at a school for youth and adults.