Epistemic justice: Inclusive approaches to social work research

What is it about?

This paper discusses how inclusive, qualitative social work research can enhance our knowledge of an issue. The concept of 'epistemic justice' is promoted as an ethical social work research methodology. The paper provides an account of research with women about their experiences of assisted reproduction.

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Why is it important?

When a discourse is so dominant that it actively excludes 'alternative' discourses, our knowledge of an issue remains partial. 'Non-dominant' discourses can offer richer understanding and as social work researchers, we should seek out and value non-dominant knowledge. Epistemic dominance and oppression should not go unchecked - social work research has the capacity to enhance epistemic justice.

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