Blackwell Reference Online

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In the first edition of The Handbook of Qualitative Research (Denzin & Lincoln 1994), Kincheloe and McLaren (1994) begin by describing research and theory that could be labeled criticalist. Such work assumes socially and historically embedded power relations, “facts” as ideologically inscripted, language as both constructing and limiting consciousness, oppressions as multiple and interconnected, and research as producing and reconstituting (however unintended) systems of power. Further, criticalist research assumes the need for emancipatory actions that lead to increased social justice and social transformation. These assumptions would, at first, appear to construct new “critical truths” for a postmodern age, and have done so when dominated by an unrelenting focus on the victimization of those who have been oppressed (whether socioeconomically, sexually, racially, or otherwise). This is certainly a focal point that is warranted within the confines of patriarchy and racist, economic imperialism. However, recognizing that the practice of research has often itself resulted in the production and reproduction of power for researchers, along with an increasing awareness of diverse forms of resistance, critical qualitative researchers attempt to challenge even the construction of critical truths. Therefore, various forms of critical qualitative research are embedded within a self-conscious ... log in or subscribe to read full text