Embracing democracy through participatory approaches: a critical exploration of power (a)symmetry between researchers and older adults
Abstract
This article critically examines the democratic potential of participatory approaches with older adults. Drawing on a workshop at the 14th European Conference for Social Work Research, we explore how such approaches can both (re)shape and (re)produce power relations between researchers and older co-researchers. Using case studies and theoretical frameworks, we argue that participatory research’s democratic promise lies not only in its methods, though they can support it, but also in the ongoing negotiation and reflexivity that shape equitable researcher–co-researcher relationships.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Mental Health and Patient Involvement
Participatory Visual Research Methods
Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- European Social Work Research
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 271–276
- Publication date
- 5 January 2026
- Language
- EN