Policymaking Pragmatics: What’s a Qualitative Researcher—Especially a Critical Qualitative Researcher—to Do?

Abstract

Policymakers tend to be suspicious of qualitative research. Distrust of qualitative work is especially acute when a researcher openly embraces critical perspectives and is oriented toward critiquing privilege and providing the sort of knowledge that helps set the stage for challenging the status quo and creating more just and equitable social contexts. The first part of this article uses an adaptation of autoethnographic methodology and the personal essay genre to suggest how all types of qualitative researchers, including those whose research is informed by critical perspectives, can influence state policy. In the second part of the article, the focus shifts to the local level. This part of the article describes a process designed to promote dialogue across differences and generate at least a modicum of consensus about policies that should be adopted and implemented within an organization.