Social Sciences· 2019Q2
Pragmatism as a Research Paradigm and Its Implications for Social Work Research
- 849citations
- Q2SCImago
- 2019year
Short summary
This essay critically reviews and synthesizes literature on pragmatism as a research paradigm, arguing it can empower marginalized communities and provide evidence for macro-level discourse in social work.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- Pragmatism offers a framework for knowledge creation in social work and social justice-oriented professions.
- The essay critically reviews the philosophical foundations and methodological challenges of applying pragmatism.
- Pragmatism is linked to the pursuit of social justice by potentially engaging and empowering marginalized communities.
- It can provide 'hard evidence' to inform macro-level discourse and policy.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Debates around the issues of knowledge of, and for, social work and other social justice–oriented professions are not uncommon. More prevalent are the discussions around the ways by which social work knowledge is obtained. In recent years, social work scholars have drawn on the epistemology of pragmatism to present a case for its value in the creation of knowledge for social work and other social justice–oriented professions. The primary focus of this essay is on providing a critical review and synthesis of the literature regarding pragmatism as a research paradigm. In this essay, we analyze the major philosophical underpinnings and methodological challenges associated with pragmatism, synthesize the works of scholars who have contributed to the understanding of pragmatism as a research paradigm, articulate our thoughts about how pragmatism fits within social work research, and illustrate how it is linked to the pursuit of social justice. This article brings together a variety of perspectives to argue that pragmatism has the potential to closely engage and empower marginalized and oppressed communities and provide hard evidence for the macro level discourse.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Social Sciences, 2019 · DOI ↗
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Field: Public Administration
Public AdministrationSocial Sciences