Researching the Reintegration of Formerly Abducted Children in Northern Uganda through Action Research: Experiences and Reflections
Loading...
Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology
Abstract
This paper presents experiences and reflections on the use of a participatory research methodology
under the difficult conditions of a war situation in northern Uganda. We draw from two complimentary
approaches in action research to explain our methodology while doing research on the
reintegration of formerly abducted children. First, the experience oriented approach, which emphasizes
the need to articulate experience as a basis for learning and knowledge. Second, the exemplary
participatory approach which highlights the importance of enhancing empowerment and the need to
find solutions for social problems.We find these two approaches useful for doing action research in a
conflict area because of their emphasis on experience and empowerment respectively. In our research,
experience is important because of the children’s encounter with the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA)
rebels that both needs to be understood and justifies reintegration. On the otherhand, empowerment is
important for our assumption that the children’s experience and encounter with the LRA has
disempowering effects on them. We demonstrate the use of the approaches in our research by
enhancing participation, balancing power relations and being aware of ethical issues while at the
same time attempting to make the research valid inspite of the challenges.
Description
Keywords
Reintegration, Formerly abducted children, Child soldiers, War affected children, Action research, Conflict situations, Community involvement, Ethics in research
Citation
Angucia, M., Zeelen, J., & De Jong, G. (2010). Researching the reintegration of formerly abducted children in northern Uganda through action research: Experiences and reflections. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 20(3), 217-231. DOI: 10.1002/casp.1034