Qualitative Research and Social Change European Contexts [Hardcover]

Exploring the relationships between qualitative research and social change, this bookasks how social change is informed and influenced by research. Examples discussed are from research practice and experiences in the fields of sociology, social work, professional practice, education, criminal justice and anthropology. Introduction: The Importance of Qualitative Research to Social Change - Preliminary Considerations; P. Cox, T. Geisen and R. Green PART I: EXPLORING CONCEPTS AND APPROACHES Changing Research, Research for Change: Exploring the Perspectives of Complexity Science; P. Cox The Notion of Ambivalence: Human Action and Social Change Beyond Analytical Individualism; T. Geisen A Complex Terrain of Words and Deeds: Discourse, Research and Social Change; S. Hicks and C. Taylor PART II: WELFARE ISSUES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Bringing about Social Change: The Role of Community Research; R. Green Forum Theatre as a Participatory Tool for Social Research and Development: A Reflection on 'Nobody is perfect': A Project with Homeless People; M. Wrentschur Psycho-social Perspectives in Policy and Professional Practice Research; C. Miller, P. Hoggett and M. Mayo PART III: ISSUES IN RESEARCH Evaluating Risk Assessment: A Methodological Study of Mentally Disordered Offenders in the London Probation Area; W. Fitzgibbon Educational Research Need Not Be Irrelevant; Z. Bekerman Policy Analysis in Education - Multiplicity as a Key Orientation for Research; K. Kraus Bibliography

'This collection of excellent chapters by a group of international scholars provides much-needed examples of how research can be responsive to the demands of ever-shifting social realities.'

-Dr. Anthony Hickey, Professor of Sociology, Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina USA.

'This collection brilliantly explores social research that benefits the exploited or excluded grouplS)