Qualitative Research : Peter Lang : 9781433104732 : 1433104733 : 22 Nov 2013 : We conceived of this book with the idea that critical explorations into the key philosophical issues in qualitative research could throw light on distortions, power relations, hidden assumptions and possibilities within the field, and could ultimately provide the groundwork for needed change and new directions. We wanted to do this with rigor, getting underneath the contemporary divisions in qualitative research, first building up philosophy and core concepts and then returning to specific practices in qualitative research. The book, in a way, then, is a statement of hope. We have seen many promising trends in the last few decades as academics from the groups who have traditionally been studied and spoken for in the past ? indigenous peoples, women, minorities, gays and lesbians, for example ? make their voices heard, as the «other» speaks back, and as the uses to which research is put receive more scrutiny.