Epistemic inequalities and participatory research: Experiences from Montreal

Abstract

The article analyzes social inequalities in participatory knowledge production, mobilizing the theoretical framework of epistemic inequalities. This framework is inspired by the thought of feminist and decolonial scholars on knowledge and power relations in research processes. The author uses this conceptual framework to analyze two spaces of dialogue and practice of participatory research in which he has participated as co-investigator and then as principal investigator. These experiences were developed in a research center on social inequalities based in Montreal, where issues of power are central and which has a culture of participatory research, placing reflection on epistemic inequalities at the heart of its work. Both spaces for reflection and development of participatory research are not normative models to be applied in other contexts; however, they provide observatories for reflection on power dynamics in participatory knowledge production and allow for analysis of the testimonial and hermeneutical epistemic inequalities that they contribute to maintaining or increasing.