Challenging perspectives: Reflexivity as a critical approach to qualitative social work research

Reflexivity is acknowledged as a crucial concept and pivotal in the methodology of qualitative research. Various practices reflexivity are adopted social science disciplines. However, difficult to pin down challenge for researchers address how become reflexive do research practice. In work, has further been developed applied practice contexts. The terms, critical reflection or reflectivity interrelated ways that aim explain profession which, turn, can offer an enhanced understanding This exploratory article promotes practising – questioning, analysing evaluating oneself employing all stages: methodological construction, data collection analysis by undertaking three key self-focused activities: (1) thinking about one’s own thinking; (2) observation emotions/thoughts, role boundaries power dynamics relationships; (3) exploration perceptual experiences. Maintaining stance achieved through reflectivity. largely descriptive but draws on experience doctoral study cultural competence effective use work