Caring Action Research: Lessons learned from performing research with(in) care

Main Article Content

Britta Møller

Abstract

This paper bridges care ethics (Tronto, Noddings) with action research (AR), introducing Caring Action Research (CAR) as a framework for understanding AR as a caring practice. Based on a study conducted with a Danish elderly care department and a vocational college for care workers, the research employs design-based trials to facilitate shared inquiry into challenging situations in care work and education. The analysis reveals key dynamics: participants’ mutual recognition; the negotiation of power relations; and the collaborative development of design-based trials. CAR emerges as a valuable approach to addressing professional and educational challenges, rooted in caring ethics.
Keywords: care ethics, care, caring action research, action research, co-creative inquiry


Investigación-acción sobre el cuidado: Lecciones aprendidas al realizar investigaciones (dentro del) cuidado
Este artículo conecta la ética del cuidado (Tronto, Noddings) con la investigaciónacción (IA), proponiendo la Caring Action Research (CAR) como un marco para entender la IA como una práctica de cuidado. Basada en un estudio realizado con un departamento danés de atención a personas mayores y una escuela vocacional para asistentes sociales, la investigación emplea ensayos basados en diseño para facilitar la investigación compartida sobre los desafíos en el trabajo y la educación de cuidado. El análisis revela dinámicas clave: el reconocimiento mutuo de los participantes; la negociación de las relaciones de poder; y el desarrollo colaborativo de los ensayos basados en diseño. La IAC emerge como un enfoque valioso para abordar los desafíos profesionales y educativos asociados a la ética del cuidado.
Palabras clave: ética del cuidado, cuidado, investigación-acción del cuidado, investigaciónacción, indagación cocreativa


Extract


Bibliography: Møller, Britta: Caring Action Research: Lessons learned from performing research with(in) care, IJAR – International Journal of Action Research, 1-2025, pp. 6-23.

Article Details

Published: June 2025

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