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Rethinking the researcher-researched relationship: Research participants as prodsumers

Research participants as prodsumers

Lauren Eva Dyll
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Keyan G Tomaselli
University of Johannesburg
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Rethinking the researcher-researched relationship: Research participants as prodsumers. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 35(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v35i1.1599
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  • Submited: October 14, 2022
  • Published: October 17, 2022

Abstract

This article critically examines the conventional researcher-researched relationship that
empowers the researcher over the researched. The orthodoxy of objectivity – claimed to locate
the researchers as neutral observer – is here argued to be a power relation that has an excluding
effect where subject communities are concerned. By means of an archaeological case study that
included mapping and interpretation of ancient rock engravings we offer a new way of negotiating
interpretations. This new way involved four members from a Bushman community who helped us
navigate spiritual, ontological and environmental dimensions in making sense of rock art.

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How to Cite
Rethinking the researcher-researched relationship: Research participants as prodsumers. (2022). Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa, 35(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcsa.v35i1.1599

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