Counter-hegemonic co-research as learning from the margins

Participatory researchers have criticized tokenistic forms of co-research, calling for reflection on how co-researchers participate and discussion of what constitutes genuine co-production of research. This article discusses concrete methods and meanings of co-research across different approaches, conditions, and premises for co-researchers’ participation. The article proposes counter-hegemonic co-research as a way of co-producing knowledge and learning with co-researchers, while we explore counter-hegemonic struggles and possibilities for transformative change. A decade of praxis research in collaboration with two former gang leaders provides the basis for discussing dilemmas and understandings of counter-hegemonic co-research. This includes methodological and theoretical discussion as well as empirical examples of the possibilities for transformative change. Counter-hegemonic co-research is explored through three questions: How can we engage in praxis research through reflection on common interests across different positions and communities? How can research and intervention be combined to support collective reflection on contradictions and (dis)alienation? How does co-research (re)produce meanings in the everyday lives of participating (co-)researchers?