Towards a Critical Health Equity Research Stance: Why Epistemology and Methodology Matter More Than Qualitative Methods

Item Type

Author

Abstract

Qualitative methods are not intrinsically progressive. Methods are simply tools to conduct research. Epistemology, the justification of knowledge, shapes methodology and methods, and thus is a vital starting point for a critical health equity research stance, regardless of whether the methods are qualitative, quantitative, or mixed. In line with this premise, I address four themes in this commentary. First, I criticize the ubiquitous and uncritical use of the term health disparities in U.S. public health. Next, I advocate for the increased use of qualitative methodologies—namely, photovoice and critical ethnography—that, pursuant to critical approaches, prioritize dismantling social–structural inequities as a prerequisite to health equity. Thereafter, I discuss epistemological stance and its influence on all aspects of the research process. Finally, I highlight my critical discourse analysis HIV prevention research based on individual interviews and focus groups with Black men, as an example of a critical health equity research approach. © 2017, © 2017 Society for Public Health Education.

Subject

Epistemology
Critical theories
Epistemologies of ignorance
Qualitative methodology
Qualitative methods
Social determinants
Social inequalities

Publication Title

Publication Year

2017

Publication Date

2017

Source

Scopus

License

Physical Description

vol. 44, n. 5, pp. 677-684

Short Title

Towards a Critical Health Equity Research Stance

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Towards a Critical Health Equity Research Stance: Why Epistemology and Methodology Matter More Than Qualitative Methods, dans Science & Ignorance, consulté le 21 Novembre 2024, https://ignorancestudies.inist.fr/s/science-ignorance/item/4902

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