Participatory Action Research for Educational and Social Inclusion. Experiences in scenarios of social segregation and unwanted isolation

The article compiles the knowledge generated in various areas of social exclusion such as social segregation and unwanted isolation, through participatory action research processes carried out in the context of the internships of the Master’s degree in Community Participation and Development of the University of the Basque Country. It is the relationship networks that are established that give rise to new knowledge, based on the analysis of the feedback that arises between the most socially vulnerable, the associations in which they participate and university students and academics. Social and tangible challenges are set out on which to strengthen individual and collective competences and promote an awareness that has an impact on both personal change and the environment. The systematization of the experiences and the critique of the process, carried out by the tutors with the role of researchers, allows us to identify the characteristics of the spaces from which values are developed and consensus on common interests, rights and needs is reached. An assessment of their own and common learning, by the different participating agents (educational, professional and community) highlights the weaknesses, strengths and opportunities that need to be faced in order to be competent in the development of social cohesion dynamics. The aim is to contribute to greater participation of people in vulnerable situations.