Feminist participatory action research: Methodological and ethical issues

Close relationships between researchers and participants engaged in a femin ist participatory action research project have brought joy and insight, but also challenges. Through the project we collaborate to enhance participant s' careers and, among some, develop feminist consciousness. Ln this paper w e discuss methodological and ethical issues that derive from the closeness of the relationships between many of the participants and ourselves. We exp lore our subjectivities, the issues associated with interpreting participan ts' stories, actions and conversations, the risk of perpetuating uncritical assimilation or colonisation for Maori participants, and the challenge of matching practice with ideals of emancipation for all women. (C) 2000 Elsev ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.