Quotes
"I asked, ‘can I send an invoice’. How can it be that policy-makers and researchers are paid to be at the table, and other people are expected to come for free?”
“It helps that people can just walk up to each other, talk about small and big things, not only the research. You have to be in it to win it”
“Sometimes people keep texting me, I almost have become a social worker for them”
“I find it difficult sometimes to embrace the uncertainties, while they [university] ask me to write a plan beforehand”
Urban context
In Wijkwijs, and other neighborhood in Rotterdam, social research is often conducted. However, residents are tired of constants researching and tired that the results are not being implemented. Recognizing the growing fatigue and distrust among citizens toward research practices, this presentation seeks to bridge the gap between academia and society by embracing a transdisciplinary approach.
The problem
As urban landscapes grapple with deep rooted disparities, universities worldwide aim for making a true 'impact.' Now, more than ever, the public call for academics is to seek active societal relevance. Yet, universities as institutions historically have been a place for a social elite that researches ‘the world out there’ in an attempt to capture an objective social reality. Doing so, the traditional academic regime does not recognize the relevance of the value laden and the subjective. Even well intended research projects, where marginalized communities are the subject of study, issues of exploitation and research fatigue are often the case. This way, the city and its communities remain a subject of study and analysis, and the effect of research only finds its way into academic publications, education and policy recommendations that instigate changes after years, if it even does at all.
Solution
The workshop proposes a shift towards community-based research (CBR) as a means to foster genuine collaboration between researchers, citizens, and societal actors. Grounded in values such as reciprocity, equality, and trust, CBR emphasizes the co-creation of knowledge and the recognition of diverse forms of expertise. By engaging in collaborative inquiry and embracing local knowledge, CBR seeks to democratize the research process and empower communities to shape their own narratives and solutions.
Practical Applications
Through a series of case studies in Rotterdam, the workshop showcases how CBR can lead to tangible outcomes and transformative change. By prioritizing community voices and fostering equitable partnerships, CBR not only produces more relevant research but also strengthens social cohesion and resilience within urban neighborhoods. This approach has the potential to inform policy decisions, drive grassroots initiatives, and foster a more inclusive and sustainable urban future.
Groundbreaking Aspects
This research presents a groundbreaking departure from traditional academic practices, advocating for a more inclusive and participatory approach to urban research. By foregrounding the values of reciprocity, equity, and justice, CBR challenges existing power dynamics and promotes a more democratic and accountable research process.