Research from a Social Justice Perspective

Abstract

This article presents the results of the reflective process of “systematization” that was carried out by a group of researchers from different disciplines. The goal of the reflective process was to answer the question “What does it mean to have a social justice perspective when conducting qualitative research?” We draw from moral and political philosophy to chart our theoretical route. We highlight how research grounded on social justice values requires researchers to take into account instrumental-methodological matters in the service of such values and to consider them as guiding principles. Moral and political philosophy also leads us to evaluate the results of research differently. Finally, we assert that a research perspective centered on social justice becomes a political movement that exerts pressure on traditional hegemonic scientific practice. Social justice research, we conclude, challenges science to democratize and to meaningfully contribute to overcoming unjust conditions and discrimination.