Disrupting the Academy with Lived Experience-Led Knowledge

By exploring a range of social justice issues from first-hand perspectives, this book reframes our understanding of knowledge production. It demonstrates that when lived experience experts lead the way, their knowledge can enrich, transform and decolonise research, teaching and advocacy.

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This book firmly positions lived experience-led expertise as a unique and compelling form of knowledge in decolonising and disrupting research, teaching and advocacy.

Based on the insights of people with first-hand experiences, each chapter presents unique accounts and reflections on a diverse range of social justice issues. Together, the authors’ perspectives centre lived experiences in the production of knowledge, challenge outsider-imposed views, and create new research and writing norms. They demonstrate that when lived experience experts lead the way, their knowledge of how to address social injustices can enrich, transform and decolonise research, teaching and advocacy.

This collection is an invaluable resource for academic and community-based researchers, practitioners, advocates, educators, policymakers, students and people whose lived experiences and views continue to be marginalised across diverse settings.

Maree Higgins is Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at the University of New South Wales. She is a leading Social Work scholar, with expertise in collaborative and ethical research approaches.

Caroline Lenette is Associate Professor in the School of Social Sciences at the University of New South Wales. She is Deputy Director of the Big Anxiety Research Centre and a leading scholar in participatory research.

Author/Editor details at time of book publication.