Researching to Make a Difference: Possibilities for Social Science Research in the Age of AIDS
Sahara J (Online)
; 9: 3-10, 2012.
Article
em En
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1271518
Biblioteca responsável:
CG1.1
ABSTRACT
HIV and AIDS is recognized as one of the most devastating pandemics of sub-Saharan Africa; and South Africa in particular; with adverse effect on individuals; families; schools; communities and society at large. Research is therefore required to provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of HIV and AIDS in order to mitigate the effect of the pandemic. Much of the excellent research that has been done has been undertaken within a positivist paradigm and has focused on the biomedical aspects of HIV and AIDS; as well as the social aspects of the pandemic. This theoretical position paper draws on various projects in the field of HIV and AIDS education in rural KwaZulu-Natal to argue that more social science research should be framed within a participatory research paradigm; foregrounding participant engagement and process; and which simultaneously has a 'research-as-intervention' focus. Such research adheres to the requirement of knowledge production; but also engages the participants as knowledge producers who; through the research process; are enabled to shift towards taking up their own agency. Reflecting on the findings from the various projects suggests that visual participatory methodologies are particularly useful when working with marginalized persons whose voices are seldom heard especially when exploring topics which are difficult to discuss. Furthermore; it brings issues to the fore and opens up debate; while at the same time democratizing research and allowing universities to take up their social responsibility and to contribute towards making a difference in the communities they serve
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Base de dados:
AIM
Assunto principal:
Mudança Social
/
Ciências Sociais
/
Técnicas de Planejamento
/
Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida
/
Ensaio Clínico
/
Pesquisa Qualitativa
/
Pesquisa Participativa Baseada na Comunidade
Tipo de estudo:
Qualitative_research
Aspecto:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Sahara J (Online)
Ano de publicação:
2012
Tipo de documento:
Article