Introduction

This introduction situates the volume within research approaches grounded in community partnerships that are community-based, community-focused, participatory, action-oriented, and concerned with social justice and equity. The authors discuss how research as accompaniment is associated with both participatory action research (PAR) and community-based participatory research (CBPR) but moves beyond these approaches by strongly emphasizing long-term and reciprocal partnerships. The introduction also outlines the volume’s structure and organization: An initial chapter defining accompaniment is followed by nine chapters containing case studies and reflections on research as accompaniment and a chapter drawing on the previous content that defines research as a potential mode of accompaniment. The volume concludes with a chapter of commentaries and reflections by professionals working with and in communities on the appropriateness and utility of this approach.