ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the nature of community-based participatory research (CBPR) and why we believe it is vital for qualitative research with social justice aims. It describes what CBPR demands from those who choose this approach. Qualitative researchers need to consider what they are willing to say, do, and risk working along-side the academy and community in explicit pursuit of social justice. The chapter highlights CBPR demands of academics in addition to skills such as conflict resolution and facilitation. CBPR demands a willingness to have an open mind and to work with those living with the inequities and also with those in the systems that on a day-to-day basis do what they can, when they can, to assist in making people's lives better. By using CBPR, not only is the research political, but the academic is drawn into politics. Public policy frames programs and services that government offers, such as subsidized housing, child and elder care, income support, and health services.
