ABSTRACT
This chapter explains 'The essence of action research', referred to some of the basic considerations about action research developed in the course of the theoretical efforts of the project ALTERNATIVE. The theoretical concept that served as a guiding star for carrying out action research in Vienna is first of all active participation and its more radical version 'community ownership'. In action research, researchers do get involved in action at the research sites, they are initiating interventions that are to lead to change. In the action research in Vienna, the concept of community ownership came to the fore when working towards restorative circles. Starting in 2013, ALTERNATIVE became engaged in the Women's Cafe. The researchers continue their cooperation with the organization wohnpartner and have started to prepare more round tables, and other formats for spreading the experiences gained through ALTERNATIVE.
