Creating and applying knowledge for critical social work practice: Reflections on epistemology, research, and evidence-based practice

ABSTRACT

In this article, we explore knowledge creation for critical social work practice. We examine critical realism as a complementary epistemology for research with populations who experience structural inequality. The growing literature on critical realism offers helpful commentary for strengthening anti-oppressive approaches to practice. The site of clinical practice is explored as an underdeveloped location for creating case-specific knowledge that includes consideration of the structural forces that constrain people’s lives. Finally, as advocates for, yet critical commentators on, evidence-based practice (EBP), we promote expanding EBP to address the external hardships and inequalities that individuals and communities routinely face.

KEYWORDS:

• Epistemology
• critical realism
• evidence-based practice
• anti-oppressive practice
• research