Pragmatism as a Research Paradigm and Its Implications for Social Work Research

Vibha Kaushik; Christine A. Walsh

doi:10.3390/socsci8090255

journal article Open Access Sep 06, 2019

Pragmatism as a Research Paradigm and Its Implications for Social Work Research

Vibha Kaushik Christine A. Walsh

Social Sciences Vol. 8 No. 9 pp. 255 · MDPI AG

View at Publisher Save 10.3390/socsci8090255

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.

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Details

Published: Sep 06, 2019
Vol/Issue: 8(9)
Pages: 255
License: View

Authors

V

Vibha Kaushik

Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada

C

Christine A. Walsh

Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada

Cite This Article

Vibha Kaushik, Christine A. Walsh (2019). Pragmatism as a Research Paradigm and Its Implications for Social Work Research. Social Sciences, 8(9), 255. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci8090255

Pragmatism as a Research Paradigm and Its Implications for Social Work Research

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