Perspectives on Unseen Power Dynamics in Research Through Hauntology

Abstract

In this conceptual witty piece, I use the metaphor of ghosts to assert that participatory research can gain valuable insights from a hauntological perspective. This perspective involves acknowledging and addressing the enduring impact of past events, experiences, and social structures on present-day realities. Throughout the piece, I present various scenarios, studies, and discussions derived from literature. Additionally, I use nora, the Thai dance-drama, as a metaphorical framework to explore five guiding themes for integrating hauntological perspectives into participatory knowledge co-production and societal transformation. This choice not only serves as a metaphorical anchor but also infuses a decolonising essence throughout the piece, given nora’s roots in the narratives of the southern region. This piece is framed as a playful conceptualisation, exploring the complexities of social relations and the far-reaching consequences of historical legacies on contemporary issues. Its overarching goal is to challenge power imbalances inherent in participatory research. The significance of this article lies in its ability to confront and subvert entrenched power dynamics, unveiling concealed facets of social reality that empirical evidence alone cannot capture. Through this work, I aim to underscore the importance of embracing recursive exploration and collaboration within the diverse dimensions of participatory research, using the hauntological paradigm as a transformative lens.