Giving Voice to the Voiceless: Collaborative Inquiry in Poor Communities of Mexico City

Abstract

This article reports on a case study in the context of empowering persons in poor communities through a process of collaborative inquiry. This process began conceptually in the south of Mexico, and continued 28 years later in poor neighborhoods of Mexico City. This process of developing successful answers by communities for their well being was considered from indigenous (Mexican), holistic, Christian, collaborative and transformational perspectives. The communal discernment of members of communities in different contexts is reported as they were able to articulate for themselves the nature of psychological, relational, and spiritual well being. This process of collaborative inquiry dramatically transformed the participants as they continued to cope with extremely difficult living conditions.

Cooperative Inquiry in Human Ecology: Historical Roots and Future Applications

“…When mobilized through applied and action-oriented research, a contextual understanding of the reciprocal dynamics of humans and their environment can foster responsible citizenship, prudent stewardship of the human designed and natural environment, social justice and the development of institutions for civil society (Miller et al, 2004). Researchers from countries such as Ireland, Australia, and Mexico have conducted CI inquiries into various knowledge domains, including in-home care, theology, evaluation, and organizational learning (Cruz-Ramos & Cruz-Valdivieso, 2011;Francis, Davies, & Pinder, 2006;Lloyd & Carson, 2005). Several inquiry areas involving youth have included child and adolescent mental health services, child-centered technology development, and youth empowerment (Byas et al, 2003;Druin, 1999;Stacey et al, 2003).…”