In Pursuit of Culturally and Socially Respectful Research: Relational Theory and Practice

Our article supports researchers committed to culturally and socially respectful practices, irrespective of the setting. When involved in social research, we are challenged by differences in culture, society and individual experience. These differences impact directly on peoples we are seeking to support through research, on ourselves as researchers and the design and conduct of the research project. These can involve perplexing and demanding challenges to respectful practice. In recent decades social research methodologies have sought to respond to these challenges. We describe a framework of relational theory that supports research practices seeking to reflect the experiences, knowledges and priorities of peoples being supported through research. The framework draws on extensive literatures contributing to social construction theory and those of First Nations authors, consolidated into key themes. We document the application of the framework to a project involving a non-First Nations practitioner/researcher, a First Nations manager/practitioner, a community Elder and residents of a First Nations-controlled alcohol and other drug (AoD) rehabilitation facility. The approach seeks to liberate all peoples involved in research projects to contribute to changes in the broader community, and to developments in identities of all involved – including researchers.