SWRK 2127AE_WEEK TWO

Course Information

• Course Title: SWRK 2127AE: Introduction to Social Work Research

• Instructor: Dr. Suleyman Demi

• Email: suleyman.demi@algomau.ca

• Office Hours: By Appointment

• Day and Time: Tuesday 7 - 10 PM

• Location: ZOOM

Week Two: Philosophical Assumptions & Research Paradigms

Today's Agenda

1. Community news

2. Class Discussion

3. Short Presentation/Lecture

4. Wrap up

Community News

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig: Call for Submission

• Event: International Conference on Mental Health and Land-Based Healing

• Location: Anishinaabe Discovery Centre, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

• Date: April 24-25, 2025

• SKG aims to preserve Anishinaabe knowledge and educate future generations in a respectful environment.

Class Discussion Topics

1. What is research?

2. Why do we conduct research?

3. Representation of Indigenous and racialized people in research.

4. Dominance of Western knowledge.

5. Purpose of Linda Smith's article.

Short Presentation/Lecture Topics

• Emphasis on Indigenous Perspectives in Research

Research from Indigenous Perspectives

• Definition: Research is a creative and systematic effort to enhance knowledge.

• Indigenous Perspectives: The term 'research' is viewed negatively within Indigenous communities (Smith, 2012).

• Critique: Anthropologists often labeled as ‘takers and users’ who exploit Indigenous peoples (Trask, 1993).

• Geography seen as 'science of imperialism' (Livingstone, 1992).

• Indigenous communities face forms of imperialism rooted in European Enlightenment.

Historical Context and Critique of Western Research

• Enlightenment provided justification for power dynamics in research.

• Indigenous peoples historically categorized as ‘nearly human’ based on perceived ideologies.

• Research often performed without Indigenous voices or input, denying their knowledge.

Western Knowledge and Its Impact

• Western research categorized Indigenous knowledge as inferior.

• Modernity and Enlightenment shaped perceptions of Indigenous peoples.

• Disciplines such as science and public education historically misrepresented Indigenous people.

• Polygenesis and Social Darwinism used to portray Indigenous incapacity.

Establishing Western Knowledge Superiority

• Rooted in colonization:

  • Development of scientific thought.

  • European exploration and discovery.

  • Expansion of trade and colonization.

• False notion of global knowledge perpetuated dominance.

Colonial Exploitation

• Involves:

  • Natural resource exploitation.

  • Commodification of knowledge production.

  • Redefining Indigenous knowledge and nature thereof.

• Concept of environmental colonialism emerges.

Consequences of Colonization

• Spread of diseases significantly affected Indigenous populations.

• Survival of the fittest applied to human circumstances.

• Western authority imposed on Indigenous governance and cultures.

• Colonial education was missionary and secular based.

Impact on Indigenous Intellectuals

• Creation of hierarchy among educated Indigenous individuals.

• Education leads to shame concerning traditional cultures and languages.

• Intellectuals viewed as leaders by the dominant powers.

Progression of Native Intellectuals (Fanon)

1. Assimilation into colonizers’ culture.

2. Recognition of identity and cultural roots.

3. Awakening communities and creating culturally relevant literature.

Western Education and Indigenous Views

• Despite negative impacts, many Indigenous communities still view Western education as essential for self-determination.

• Spivak: Third-world intellectuals should strategically position themselves within both Indigenous and Western contexts.

Indigenous Research Methodologies

• Reflect, enact, and revitalize Indigenous knowledge systems.

• Focus on liberation from colonial power dynamics.

• Research can empower Indigenous communities.

Aboriginal Approach to Knowledge Production

• Recognize diversity within Indigenous peoples.

• Inappropriate Western methods have caused distress in Indigenous communities.

• PAR (Participatory Action Research) encourages Indigenous active participation in research.

Rigney's Indigenous Methodology Principles

1. Resistance as an imperative in research.

2. Political integrity in research.

3. Prioritizing Indigenous voices in research.

Ethical Considerations for Non-Indigenous Researchers

1. Importance and priorities of research topics for Indigenous people.

2. Acknowledgment of political integrity in research.

3. Promotion of Indigenous voices through research efforts.

Stages of Conducting Research in Indigenous Communities

Planning Stage

• Identify the research topic, objectives, or questions.

• Determine the study's contribution to existing knowledge.

Acting Stage: Data Collection

• Develop and pilot interview questions.

• Take notes during interviews and validate findings.

• Focus on qualitative methods like in-depth interviews and focus groups.

Observation Stage: Data Analysis

• Adhere to cultural protocols during data collection.

• Consider factors like body language and interviewer’s identity.

Primary-Level Data Analysis

• Involves documentation, coding, and authenticating conclusions.

• Includes reflexivity as a crucial component of analysis.

Reflection and Dissemination

• Emphasis on process, relationships, and community in research methodologies.

Course Information

Course Title: SWRK 2127AE: Introduction to Social Work Research

• Instructor: Dr. Suleyman Demi

• Email: suleyman.demi@algomau.ca

• Office Hours: By Appointment

• Day and Time: Tuesday 7 - 10 PM

• Location: ZOOM

Week Two: Philosophical Assumptions & Research Paradigms

Today's Agenda

• Community News

• Class Discussion

• Short Presentation/Lecture

• Wrap Up

Community News

Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig: Call for Submission

• Event: International Conference on Mental Health and Land-Based Healing

• Location: Anishinaabe Discovery Centre, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

• Date: April 24-25, 2025SKG aims to preserve Anishinaabe knowledge and educate future generations in a respectful environment that honors traditional practices and perspectives.

Class Discussion Topics

• What is Research?: Critical examination of the definition and purpose of research in social work, emphasizing its role in knowledge creation and problem-solving.

• Why Do We Conduct Research?: Addressing objectives such as informing policy, enhancing practice, and advancing social justice.

• Representation of Indigenous and Racialized People in Research: Discussing historical exclusion and the importance of equitable representation in research methodologies.

• Dominance of Western Knowledge: Analyzing how Western paradigms often overshadow alternative perspectives, particularly those of Indigenous peoples.

• Purpose of Linda Smith's Article: Investigating how Smith articulates the need for liberation and reconceptualization of research frameworks that empower Indigenous voices.

Short Presentation/Lecture Topics

Emphasis on Indigenous Perspectives in Research

• Research from Indigenous Perspectives:

  • Definition: Research is a reflective, creative, and systematic effort aimed at enhancing knowledge and improving practices within communities.

  • Indigenous Perspectives: The term 'research' is frequently viewed negatively within Indigenous communities (Smith, 2012), often associated with exploitation or misrepresentation.

  • Critique: Anthropologists are sometimes labeled as 'takers and users,' who exploit Indigenous peoples and their cultures (Trask, 1993).

  • Geography: Historically perceived as the 'science of imperialism' (Livingstone, 1992), raising questions about the motivations behind geographical research.

  • Imperialism in Indigenous Communities: Indigenous communities face forms of imperialism deeply rooted in the ideologies of the European Enlightenment, which often disregarded their knowledge systems.

Historical Context and Critique of Western Research

• Influence of Enlightenment: The Enlightenment period provided justification for power dynamics and authority in research, leading to the categorization of Indigenous peoples as ‘nearly human’ based on flawed ideologies.

• Neglect of Indigenous Voices: Much research has been carried out without regard for Indigenous voices or input, effectively denying their contributions to knowledge.

Western Knowledge and Its Impact

• Perception of Inferiority: Western research has historically categorized Indigenous knowledge as inferior, leading to significant misrepresentation.

• Role of Modernity and Enlightenment: These movements shaped public perception and perpetuated stereotypes of Indigenous peoples, often through disciplines such as science and education.

• Polygenesis and Social Darwinism: Used to project Indigenous incapacity, further entrenching racist paradigms in research and public narratives.

Establishing Western Knowledge Superiority

• Colonial Roots: The growth of scientific thought, European exploration, and colonization created a false notion of Western knowledge being inherently superior.

• False Global Knowledge Claims: These claims contributed to the subjugation of Indigenous knowledge systems and practices, asserting dominance through distorted narratives.

Colonial Exploitation

• Focus on Natural Resource Exploitation: Highlighting how the commodification of Indigenous knowledge and resources has detrimental effects on these communities.

• Emergence of Environmental Colonialism: A concept recognizing the ecological and cultural exploitation inherent in colonial practices and policies.

Consequences of Colonization

• Impact of Diseases: The spread of diseases introduced by colonizers drastically reduced Indigenous populations, altering social and cultural structures.

• Imposition of Western Authority: Colonial powers imposed their governance and cultural practices, undermining traditional Indigenous systems and knowledge.

• Colonial Education: The education systems that emerged were often based on missionary and secular principles, further alienating Indigenous peoples from their cultures and languages.

Impact on Indigenous Intellectuals

• Emergence of Hierarchies: A system where educated Indigenous people were often placed above their communities, leading to tensions between modernity and tradition.

• Shame and Alienation: Education sometimes engendered feelings of shame regarding traditional cultures and languages, a legacy of colonial education systems.

• Role of Native Intellectuals (Fanon): Assimilation into colonizers’ culture contrasted with the recognition of one's own identity and culture, affecting the leadership role of Indigenous intellectuals.

Western Education and Indigenous Views

• Perception of Necessity: Despite its negative impact, many Indigenous communities still view Western education as vital for pursuing self-determination and empowerment.

• Spivak's Perspective: Noted that third-world intellectuals should navigate both Indigenous and Western contexts strategically to maximize advocacy opportunities.

Indigenous Research Methodologies

• Revitalization of Knowledge: Indigenous research methodologies focus on reflection, enactment, and revitalization of Indigenous knowledge systems, centering community empowerment.

• Challenge to Colonial Power Dynamics: Modern research methodologies aim to liberate Indigenous communities from the constraints imposed by colonial histories.

Aboriginal Approach to Knowledge Production

• Diversity Among Indigenous Peoples: Acknowledging the rich diversity within Indigenous cultures and knowledge systems, which is often overlooked by Western methodologies.

• Inappropriate Methods: Past methodologies have caused distress and harm, leading to a reconsideration of research approaches in Indigenous contexts.

• Participatory Action Research (PAR): Advocates for active participation of Indigenous individuals throughout the research process, framing research as a collaborative effort.

Rigney's Indigenous Methodology Principles

• Resistance as Imperative: Resistance to oppressive research practices is seen as a crucial component of Indigenous research methodologies.

• Political Integrity: Commitment to maintaining political integrity throughout the research process, protecting Indigenous interests and knowledge.

• Prioritizing Indigenous Voices: Emphasizing the necessity of including Indigenous voices and perspectives within research methodologies.

Ethical Considerations for Non-Indigenous Researchers

• Research Topic Importance: Non-Indigenous researchers must consider the significance of their research topics to Indigenous communities, aligning efforts with community needs.

• Acknowledgment of Political Integrity: Reaffirming the importance of respecting the political integrity and sovereignty of Indigenous communities in research practices.

• Promotion of Indigenous Voices: Ensuring that Indigenous voices are central to the research process and outcomes, facilitating authentic narrative representation.

Stages of Conducting Research in Indigenous Communities

1. Planning Stage

• Identify the research topic, objectives, or questions to be examined.

• Ensure clarity on how the study contributes to existing knowledge and Indigenous communities.

2. Acting Stage: Data Collection

• Develop and pilot interview questions that are culturally sensitive and relevant.

• Take comprehensive notes during interviews and validate findings with participants.

• Focus primarily on qualitative methods, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus groups to gather rich data.

3. Observation Stage: Data Analysis

• Adhere to cultural protocols during the data collection process, respecting community practices.

• Consider relevant factors such as body language, context, and the identity of the interviewer and participants.

4. Primary-Level Data Analysis

• Engages documentation, coding, and authenticating conclusions drawn from the data.

• Reflexivity is emphasized as a critical component of the analysis process, encouraging researchers to reflect on their biases and positionality.

5. Reflection and Dissemination

• Foster an emphasis on process, relationships, and community engagement throughout research methodologies to enrich understanding and applicability.