Participatory action research and social integration: conclusions of a case study in Szeged

Abstract

Large international surveys and regional and national (Hungarian) examinations all show that the vast majority of the European and Hungarian Roma population belongs to the most disadvantaged groups of society. Furthermore, social disadvantages and spatial segregation are often connected.

Our paper is based on a case study carried out in Szeged (Hungary) in relation to the problems mentioned. In Szeged, university researchers and social activists have been working together with local Roma leaders and Roma families living in segregated areas (segregates) from the beginning of 2011 within the framework of participatory action research. As a participatory action research-type research process our cooperation has two strongly interconnected goals. First, we aim to generate valuable knowledge about the social integration of Roma. Second, we aim to contribute to local social integration processes by testing our knowledge in practice through actions in the field.

Based on our ongoing work, we gained valuable research experience regarding local social segregation and integration and its spatial aspects, and the role of scientific research and researchers in this area. In our study we give an overview of these experiences. Besides introducing some general questions and (ethical) dilemmas regarding social science research dealing with social segregation/integration, we examine how social and spatial integration are interconnected and the requirements social scientists have to meet if they deal with social integration issues within the framework of participatory action research.

Our conclusions are that participatory action research sets new challenges for social researchers – because of its action component, for example – and participatory action research dealing with local social integration of the Roma might cause “objective”, “outsider” or “independent” researchers turning into local political actors. However, this “turn” does not necessarily mean a real change in the role of experts, but it rather means that interests and values necessarily appearing behind scientific research are made explicit in the process of participatory action research.