This book brings together the theory and practice of anti-oppressive approaches to social science research. It is a work that will have a place in the classroom, as well as on the desks of researchers in agencies, governments, and private consulting practice. The first section of the book is devoted to the ontological and epistemological considerations involved in such research, including theorizing the self of the researcher. The second section of the book offers exemplars across a range of methodologies, including institutional ethnography, narrative autobiography, storytelling and indigenous research, and participatory action research.

This is a unique text in that it describes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, and because all of the featured researchers occupy marginalized locations. It is also firmly anchored in the Canadian context.

Dr. Leslie Brown is Director of the School of Social Work, University of Victoria.

Dr. Susan Strega is Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba

Introduction: Transgressive Possibilities
Leslie Brown and Susan Strega

Chapter 1: Emerging from the Margins: Indigenous Methodologies
Margaret Kovach

Chapter 2: Situating Anti-oppressive Theories within Critical and Difference-Centered Perspectives
Mehmoona Moosa Mitha

Chapter 3: Stepping off the Road: A Narrative (of) Inquiry
Sally A. Kimpson

Chapter 4: Putting Ourselves Forward: Location in Aboriginal Research
Kathy Absolon and Cam Willett

Chapter 5: Interrupting Positions: Critical Thresholds and Queer Pro/Positions
Fairn herising

Chapter 6: Supporting Young People’s Transitions from Care: Reflections on Doing Participatory Action Research with Youth from Care
Deb Rutman, Carol Hubberstey, April Barlow, and Erinn Brown

Chapter 7: Wife Rena Teary
Rena Miller

Chapter 8: The View from the Post-Structural Margins: Epistemology and Methodology Reconsidered
Susan Strega

Chapter 9: Honouring the Oral Traditions of My Ancestors through Storytelling
Robina Thomas

Chapter 10: Becoming an Anti-oppressive Researcher
Karen Potts and Leslie Brown

"Brown and Strega delineate an approach that resists one truth and reaches out to multiple truths in a way that advances reflexivity, dialogue, and social justice.... An important message [in the book] is that anti-oppressive researchers should be reflexive and, at the same time, keep the focus on social change rather than on themselves.... This volume also offers guidance to social work researchers on how to stay true to their commitments and open to listening for the many truths."
—Joan Pennell, Professor and Head, Department of Social Work, North Carolina State University; Adjunct Professor, Memorial University of Newfoundland

"[This is] an honest, real book about research - research conducted in an alternative way that will be valuable to many readers. [It is] a much-needed resource to support the research approaches that are being implemented by Indigenous and anti-oppressive researchers. [This text] is informative, educational, and accessible."
—Cyndy Baskin, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, Ryerson University

Critical Strategies for Social Research