From input to influence: participatory approaches to research and inquiry into poverty

The central role of research in legitimating knowledge - in shaping what kinds of knowledge count - means that this is a particularly important activity for people living in poverty. But it should also be seen as a part of a broader agenda, about the right of people living in poverty to participate in society more generally, especially in debates and decision making, and to have greater control over their lives. This report focuses on the participation of people with direct experience of poverty in research and inquiry into poverty. It aims to explain the added value of participatory approaches, and to explore some of the debates. It analyses the concepts of participatory practice in research and inquiry into poverty, why it may be useful, and the influences shaping debates on the subject. It also presents some examples of where the approach has been used. An overview of participatory practice and inquiry into poverty in the UK is presented, and the possibilities and pitfalls for the approached are analysed. Finally, conclusions about the impact of the approach are made, and recommendations directed at governments and funding bodies for research and development work are given on how the approach should be facilitated.