Research for Social Justice: A Community-based Approach

Most social work research texts are written from an empiricist and positivist perspective, emphasizing the scientific method and the value of objectivity in research. While acknowledging that certain aspects of the scientific method should be preserved, Adje van de Sande and Karen Schwartz argue that social work research should not be value-free. Social work is committed to social justice and social change, and social work research needs to support that commitment. Research for Social Justice examines how the structural perspective and anti-oppressive principles — perspectives that view the problems experienced by people as rooted in the social, political and economic structures of society — provide this support. Aimed at social work students who are interested in exploring the structural approach to their community-based research, Research for Social Justice is also of benefit to social workers conducting research such as program evaluations and needs assessments, and all social science students engaged in social justice and community-based research.