Empowered Participation through Inclusive Inquiry

Abstract

This chapter offers a multidisciplinary perspective on addressing the question: what is it about a young person’s engagement with the research process that can empower them to participate in their community? The inquiry learning literature is drawn upon to resource the development of an inclusive inquiry framework that represents what the researcher needs to do in terms of research process, plus it describes how a young person can actively transform their position in their local community, from being a relatively powerless individual, to being an empowered advocate of community opinion. The example of a group of Girl Guides, working towards an award that requires them to carry out a community-based research project, is drawn upon to illustrate the process of self-empowerment through inclusive inquiry.