Critical Qualitative Health Research

The introduction to this text promises a different perspective on qualitative research in healthcare, and its readers will not be disappointed. It takes a critical stance, and a discussion of the philosophical and political dimensions illuminates the complexities of this type of inquiry which is sometimes forgotten in other texts. The authors are known scholars and researchers in the field of health and social sciences research with a wide range of publications between them. Immy Holloway, Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK This edited volume maps contrasting routes to doing empirical qualitative research in health and social care contexts. It critically examines how knowledge is always contested, partial, perspectival and imbued with power relations. Kay Aranda, and her impressive gathering of diverse researcher-practitioners, do a fine job in responding to the call for researchers to be more explicitly reflexive about their choices. Authors explain their preferred methodological and epistemological paths and argue their vision of a society that prioritises anti-oppressive civic values over divisive positivist and market-led ideology. This is a timely contribution, reminding us all to care, question our philosophical assumptions, and engage in critical political debate. This philosophically-informed volume will be an invaluable resource for any doctoral student seeking direction through the bewildering terrain of contemporary qualitative methodologies. Dr Linda Finlay, PhD, BA(Hons)Psych, MBPsS, DipIntPsych, DipPCSup, Integrative Psychotherapist and Academic Consultant