Community based research and evaluation within social regeneration : an exploration of its potential contribution

This thesis explores community based research and evaluation within the social regeneration context of Objective 1, South Yorkshire. This project explores the potential contribution of community based research and evaluation to social regeneration programmes. Community based approaches are assessed in terms of how they provide feedback and their role in capacity building within the Objective 1 Programme. This thesis argues that community based research can contribute to regeneration programmes and is therefore a suitable vehide for use within such contexts. Addressing the experiences and perceptions of participants and stakeholders involved in community based research, this thesis adopted a qualitative approach to explore how such approaches are used and the types of approaches that exist in practice. The study highlights several types of community based research and the dynamics operating to influence such approaches. The barriers that exist within regeneration contexts are examined, alongside the benefits of using such approaches at both the level of the individual and the level of the community. Finally, the linkages between community based research and social capital are explored with particular attention paid to networking. Despite the lack of literature discussing community based research approaches within regeneration contexts, literature from the health, social welfare and evaluation fields is drawn upon to highlight areas for empirical exploration. Key themes derived from the literature are empirically and analyticlly examined within the thesis to answer the five research questions underpinning the study. Community based research is argued to achieve development work goals as well as creating visible local impacts resulting from the interaction of the research and development work. However, there are caveats to the range of benefits described. Therefore, the thesis makes clear policy recommendations in relation to applying community based research within regeneration.