Mason, Alma Margaret (2025) Enhancing community well-being and the promotion of social justice through participatory and relational practice. Doctoral thesis, York St John University.
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Text (Doctoral thesis)
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Abstract
This research study is an exploration of an unfolding narrative capturing my professional practice and a community-based charity’s efforts to improve the lived experiences of members of a disadvantaged community. Having worked in the city of Liverpool for over forty- five years, the study represents a microcosm of contemporary society and presents a critical analysis of the neoliberal hegemony.
As a founding member of this charity (Alt Valley Community Trust), I explore ways to improve outcomes for the communities that we serve. During the research process it becomes increasingly clear that despite the organisation’s commitment and resilience, we face increasing barriers and considerable challenges which compromise much of our collective action for improvement. Autoethnographic framing, critical incident analysis and three action research cycles are completed and offer new insights and knowledge relating to community well-being. The reductionist and quantitative dominance of criteria applied by most funding bodies and government departments is challenged; with an alternative approach proposed in which concepts relating to connectedness and relational well-being are applied to theorise approaches to social justice.
Key findings from the study demonstrate the transformative nature of action research as participatory practice is found to be the most significant vehicle for securing pathways to enhanced community well-being and social justice. The research offers a framework for thinking differently about community development and provides recommendations for similar organisations to build upon this knowledge. It demonstrates the primacy of relationships which rarely feature in Government policy formation and practice; thus, it has national as well as local significance for all those committed to working towards a more just and flourishing society. The research encapsulates how the development of community well-being and the promotion of social justice is advanced through participatory and relational practice.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Subjects: | L Education > L Education (General) |
| School/Department: | School of Education, Language and Psychology |
| URI: | https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/13205 |
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