Research, Participation and Social Transformation: Notes on the Unfolding of a Research Practice

The article presents the experiences of a research group in South Brazil. The main purpose is to describe and reflect upon the process developed by a group which, while following quite independent paths, encounters in participatory action research the methodological basis for carrying out different projects. There are presented and discussed five different projects: (1) participatory budgeting, which also marked the beginning of the group; (2) the work of artisans; (3) National Programme for Public Security and Citizenship; (4) pedagogical mediations in associated work; (5) evaluation research with an NGO engaged in popular education. The conclusions point to the importance of considering the interplay of the social, political and pedagogical dimensions within a research practice.