5001-Applying an Anti-Racism Lens when Conducting Research

Intersectionality in Research: A Critical Step Toward Equity “Intersectionality refers to the interconnected identities of an individual – including race, gender identity, nationality, sexual orientation, and disability. Collecting demographic data to better understand disparate impact based upon intersectionality can be an important step toward equity” (AISP, 2020, p.18). There are many methods for conducting social work research. No matter what type of research is conducted, it is critical to apply anti-racist, anti-oppressive frameworks to address structural biases that often occur in research practices. This week you will consider research that is conducted using social surveys, describes people, and explains things. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that one aspect of the research process is reviewing the literature that is part of the knowledge base. Researchers committed to anti-oppressive research practices frame their reviews using an anti-oppressive lens. Reference Hawn Nelson, A., Jenkins, D., Zanti, S., Katz, M., Berkowitz, E., Burnett, T. C., & Culhane, D. (2020). A toolkit for centering racial equity throughout data integration [PDF]. Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy. https://aisp(dot)upenn(dot)edu/resource-article/a-toolkit-for-centering-racial-equity-throughout-data-integration/ Applying an Anti-Racism Lens when Conducting Research Your discussion this week focuses on foundational considerations for conducting social work research. As you have learned in this week's content, research can have a tremendous impact at all levels of social work practice. The power of research, then, must be harnessed in an ethical manner to ensure equity for all. In your discussion, consider what this may mean for you as you conduct research. Here are a few ideas to get you started: The Toolkit for Centering Racial Equity addresses intersectionality. How do you think intersectionality applies to your life or the life of someone you know? (If you share about someone else, please protect their privacy by using a pseudonym and being careful not to share identifying information. For instance, if I identify a relative or close friend, even if I use a pseudonym, others may be able to figure out who I am referring to.) As you consider the content of research that describes people (Chapter 5) through an anti-racism lens, what practices (other than the collection of gender data) did you find that you would consider problematic? How might you address this in data collection? Share a short video or other resource about Participatory Action Research. What are three key points you would share with others? How might you apply this week's course content toward your work, your upcoming assignment, or to your life in general?