Open call for manuscripts - Participatory Methodologies for In Situ Geographic Research

The participation of different territorial stakeholders in geographic research processes is becoming increasingly relevant. This trend has made it possible to move towards the establishment of a dialogue of knowledge (De Sousa, 2009)[1], the co-production of knowledge (Saquet, 2024)[2] and the democratization of the research process (Burns et.al, 2021)[3]. Participatory research has favored the recognition of the biases that may exist in scientific research, as well as the situated and partial nature of all types of knowledge. In addition, collaborative research with different territorial actors can contribute to political decision-making and the generation of territorial transformations. For this reason, it is crucial to know the socio-political, historical and environmental context of a territory from its own actors, in order to jointly identify the most appropriate methods and tools to address it.

 

Participatory or collaborative research as a form of in situ geographic research involves the collection of information and elaboration of geographic analysis directly in the study area, using methodologies that actively involve local communities, interest groups or stakeholders in the geographic research process. This type of methodologies recognizes the importance of local perspectives, experiences and knowledge of the people who live and work in a given place. Participatory methodologies in geography seek the inclusion of diverse perspectives and the generation of knowledge that is relevant and meaningful to local communities. Some of the strategies used in this type of research are: collaboration and co-creation, systematization, visualization of local knowledge and traditional knowledge, training in the use of spatial and technological tools, participatory mapping, participatory photography, among others.

Thematic axes:

• Ethical issues in in situ geographic research .
• Opportunities and challenges of participatory methodologies in the characterization of different geographic problems (e.g. territorial conflicts, spatial (in) justice, climate action, land tenure and land use conflicts, peace building, gentrification, integral neighborhood improvement, etc.).
• Experimentation and methodological innovations in participatory research.

Guiding questions

• What ethical dilemmas have arisen in the process of participatory geographic research and how have they been managed?
• What are the mechanisms and methodological options to dynamize local and territorial knowledge?
• How can experience banks be created? What is their value? How is emerging knowledge systematized and used?
• What strategies are used to facilitate the appropriation of geographic technology and tools? How does this appropriation allow for the understanding of environmental, economic and socio-political phenomena?

[1] De Sousa, B. (2009). An epistemology of the south: the reinvention of knowledge and social emancipation.

Mexico: Siglo XXI.

[2] Saquet, M., Uribe, S., Díaz, H. (2024). Singularities. A manifesto in favor of popular territorial science

made in decolonial and counter-hegemonic praxis. Ecuador: Abya-Yala.

[3] Burns, D., Howard, J., Ospina, S. (2021). The SAGE Handbook of Participatory Research and Inquiry (Vol. 2).