Community-Based Participatory Research: Collaboration, Ethics, and Knowledge Co-Production

Abstract (English)

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) is a cross-disciplinary methodology that challenges traditional research paradigms by centering collaboration, partnership, the integration of diverse knowledge systems, and a strong ethical commitment to all stakeholders involved. CBPR places particular emphasis on reciprocity, more equitable decision-making processes, and research outcomes that benefit participants beyond the traditional confines of academia. An increasing number of scholars are adopting this approach due to its relevance in contexts where social injustices, dispossession, displacement, and exclusion of marginalized groups demand that researchers not only maintain academic rigor but also engage in a committed and responsible manner with the needs of the communities they work with.
This presentation examines two cases of participation in Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) across distinct research experiences. First, I discuss part of my dissertation, which focuses on the formation of cooperatives and the economic reintegration of Mexican migrants returning from the U.S. to their communities in Mexico. By working closely with local actors throughout the cooperative formation process, this example explores how cooperative models function as collective survival strategies and as spaces for social cohesion and dialogue, particularly for voices that are often marginalized or unheard. This case highlights the methodological value of long-term engagement and collaborative knowledge production. Second, I reflect on my role as a Research Assistant at the Bureau of Applied Research in Anthropology (BARA) at the University of Arizona, where I have collaborated with nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and federal agencies through applied anthropology. These projects have involved partnerships in various initiatives, including improving housing conditions through government programs, demonstrating the potential of academic-community-NGO alliances in producing actionable research that directly benefits communities.
By drawing from these experiences, this presentation critically engages with the ethical and methodological challenges and potential of CBPR, particularly in relation to power dynamics, positionality, and the negotiation of research agendas to ensure a more community-centered approach. It highlights how participatory methodologies can foster meaningful collaboration, amplify community voices, and contribute to knowledge production that extends beyond academia, making research more relevant and beneficial to communities and their needs. Ultimately, this discussion underscores the importance of anthropology to remain accountable, adaptive, and actively engaged with the pressing social issues communities face, reinforcing the discipline’s role in advancing social justice efforts.