Action research with young people: possibilities and ‘messy realities’

This paper reflects on the experience of using participatory action research (PAR) in a formal, non-formal and informal setting. The paper outlines key tenets of action research and provides a letter review of the literature concerning the use of PAR in youth research. Drawing on three case studies, we provide an honest account of some of the realities involved in realizing the promise of participatory action research in practice. The central focus is on how to do it in practice, the challenges of doing so are discussed in action research.