Feminist participatory action research: Methodological and ethical issues

Close relationships between researchers and participants engaged in a feminist participatory action research project have brought joy and insight, but also challenges. Through the project we collaborate to enhance participants' careers and, among some, develop feminist consciousness. Ln this paper we discuss methodological and ethical issues that derive from the closeness of the relationships between many of the participants and ourselves. We explore our subjectivities, the issues associated with interpreting participants' stories, actions and conversations, the risk of perpetuating uncritical assimilation or colonisation for Maori participants, and the challenge of matching practice with ideals of emancipation for all women. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.