Participatory action research as a methodological basis for project formulation

Abstract

Participatory Action Research (PAR) has established itself as an alternative methodology for the production of social knowledge, proposing research processes based on the active participation of the subjects involved and on the articulation between reflection and action. This article aims to analyze PAR as a methodological basis for the formulation of social projects, highlighting its potential to overcome traditional approaches focused on technical and decontextualized diagnoses. Methodologically, the study is based on a theoretical and analytical review of classic and contemporary contributions on PAR, as well as on critical reflection on documented experiences in different fields of social intervention. The results show that PAI strengthens the relevance, sustainability, and social appropriation of projects by placing formulation as the result of participatory processes rather than as a prior or external exercise. It is concluded that PAI is a key methodological tool for the design of socially relevant, ethically committed, and contextualized projects.