Power Relations Case Study Essay

Case studies provide a way of examining a phenomena in a real life situation. Ching (2014) suggests case studies are beneficial in helping link theory to practice, and allow for application and integration of knowledge, skills, theories and experience. During this essay I will discuss case study six – ‘power relations in participatory research and community development: a case study from northern England’, looking at what could have been improved, and. what was done well. I will then move on to discuss my own community and issues within it, before looking at ways to integrate knowledge acquired from the case study into practice in my community.
Case study six explored the power relations at play during a health and social needs project performed in a South Asian community in northern England. The study originally came about as a result discussions between the local Health and Social Services (HSS) and …show more content…
The CRs were surprised when “outside professionals had listened to them, and had taken them and their work seriously” (Hampshire, Hills & Iqbal, 2005, p.346). This shows that even though the CRs did not always feel empowered during the process, there were times where even they were surprised at the power that they had acquired by taking part in the project. Further positives were seen when the CRs realised that they needed to “play the game, and engage with the HSS agenda”. In the end, the increased dialogue between the HSS and CRs meant that the HSS was able to adjust their practices and work more effectively, taking into account broader areas of concern as raised by the CRs. This also benefited the CRs as they had been able to air more concerns, as well as develop new skills for taking action on others. The CRs gained cultural power through their new qualification to undertake research, and symbolic capital by becoming members of a working