Changing Lives through Qualitative Research: Some Practical Principles and Practices for Advocacy
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Date
2020-12
Authors
Dr. Wa-Mbaleka, Safary
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Abstract
Research in social sciences is or at least should be, primarily
about improving people’s lives. This is especially important in
qualitative research. It is not uncommon to find many qualitative
research books and articles encouraging qualitative researchers to give
voice to participants who do not have any. In the literature, one branch
that is concerned with this specific ethical duty of qualitative
researchers is advocacy or advocating. While some qualitative research
books and articles have referred to advocacy in passing, it is not a topic
that is frequently discussed in the qualitative research fora, despite its
significant importance. This paper defines what advocacy is, its
importance in qualitative research, and the challenges of advocating.
The ultimate goal of this paper is to discuss effective ways of advocating
through qualitative research. This is especially important when
conducting qualitative research with alienated, marginalized,
dehumanized, and powerless groups of people.
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Keywords
qualitative research, advocacy, empowerment, humanization, discrimination, marginalized groups