A Foucauldian analysis of power relations in an action research study

Abstract

This article utilizes Foucault’s views of power to analyze the role of power in an action research dissertation titled “Grassroots Community Leaders as a Community of Practice: Utilizing Learning and Enduring Disruptive Change” (Dillon, 2014). The action research project involved the alumni of a neighborhood leadership program, details of which are provided to set the context. The article argues that both the researcher and stakeholders are influenced by power relations, and actions during research are intertwined with power. In addition to research related outcomes of the action research process are new power relations and/or the reinforcement of existing power relations. Utilizing a Foucauldian lens to analyze power relations revealed that researcher actions were primarily influenced by underlying power relations related to the university that sponsored the dissertation project. The goal of this analysis was to explore power relations in the study, and what that means for the various stakeholders and for promoting quality action research. This analysis provides valuable insight with respect to power relations in action research.