Reflexive insights from participatory action research with immigrant adolescents in South Africa: Transforming Social work research

Abstract

This paper is a reflexive analysis of the use of participatory action research (PAR) for qualitative doctoral research that sought to capture acculturation experiences of 12 immigrant adolescent learners in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study employed PAR as a methodological framework to engage both researchers and participants in a collaborative process of inquiry and action. Through PAR, immigrant adolescent learners were actively involved in shaping the research process, from defining research questions to analysing findings and implementing action plans such as language support programs. Findings reveal that PAR methods provide a platform for people engaged in a study to actively engage in the research process, develop critical skills to advocate for changes in educational policies and practices. Therefore, this reflexive manuscript presents the phases we followed throughout our PAR project whilst highlighting the benefits of using inclusive research practices. Overall, this paper contributes to the growing literature on PAR by providing insights into effective strategies for promoting social well-being through collaborative research partnerships. Additionally, this paper highlights the transformative potential of PAR to Social Work practice as it aligns with the ethos of prioritising the voices and agency of marginalised populations.

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Mabvira A., Masinga P. and Pillay R. (2025). Reflexive insights from participatory action research with immigrant adolescents in South Africa: Transforming social work research, African Journal of Social Work, 15(2), 39-47. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v15i2.5