Participatory Action Research Challenges Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review and Comparison across Two European Projects

Fábio André Matos (), Filipe Moreira Alves, Peter Roebeling, Rita Mendonça, Rúben Mendes, Max López-Maciel and André Vizinho
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Fábio André Matos: Centre for Environmental and Maritime Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Filipe Moreira Alves: Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
Peter Roebeling: Centre for Environmental and Maritime Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Rita Mendonça: Centre for Environmental and Maritime Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Rúben Mendes: Centre for Environmental and Maritime Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Max López-Maciel: Centre for Environmental and Maritime Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
André Vizinho: Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-24

Abstract: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that spread through the world in 2020 had a major effect on academia. Research projects relying on participatory methods and action research approaches were especially harmed by the restrictions and changes the situation imposed. This study performs a rapid literature review to identify common themes in the narratives of published studies concerning the difficulties of carrying-out participatory research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceptions and experiences of the authors of these studies are compiled and summarized. Additionally, insights and lessons learned from two projects in which the authors of this study participated are discussed and used to establish a comparison with the common challenges found in the literature. Over 90% of authors experienced challenges related to digitalization and methodological changes, 70% encountered difficulties with organizational and operational aspects of research, and over 30% felt that personal challenges, as well as issues with participatory aspects of research, were significant. On a positive note, almost 40% of authors from our sample recognize that the pandemic also brought unexpected benefits, such as a reduction in logistical expenses, and the creation of new opportunities for participation. This study adds to the growing body of literature regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the research community. Additionally, it comments on the adaptation of participatory action research methods for added sustainability and social inclusion in the face of global crises.

Keywords: participatory action research; COVID-19; digital transition; community-based research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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