Reclaiming the radical roots of adult education: Toward community-based anti-racism education through participatory action research
Abstract
This article revisits the radical roots of adult education for social change by developing community-based anti-racism education through participatory action research. Utilizing critical race theory (CRT) as its theoretical framework, the study incorporates principles of participatory action research (PAR) to conceptualize a model of anti-racism education in which community members and academics collaborate as equal partners throughout the process. The analysis identifies three key features of this approach: using individuals’ lived experiences as a foundation to understand contemporary forms of racism, emphasizing grassroots-level participation, and prioritizing an action-oriented aspect of community-based anti-racism education. By integrating CRT and PAR, this model aims to foster collaborative, equitable partnerships in anti-racism education across diverse communities and to position such education as a site for advocacy, emancipation, and institutional practice for social change.
Notes
Community organizations: Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)
Future research / gaps identified: n/a
Key populations: racialized communities in Canada
Key recommendations:
1) To cultivate a socially just and inclusive anti-racism learning space, there is a need for a community-based anti-racism education framework that underscores synergies between Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR).
2) A community-based anti-racism education framework acknowledges the interplay of social dynamics, historical legacies, and individual experiences as both a source and a solution.
3) The implementation of a community-based anti-racism education framework must be done so holistically as part of an ongoing movement.
Location: Canada
Open access: Yes
Integration timeline: n/a
Key findings:
1) People’s lived experiences as an entry point to understand contemporary forms of racism
2) The importance of participation at the grassroots level
3) Prioritize an action-oriented feature of community-based anti-racism education