Doing Reflexivity - by Jon Dean (Paperback)

About the Book

This book provides social science researchers with both a strong rationale for the importance of thinking reflexively and a practical guide to doing it. The first book to build on Pierre Bourdieu's reflexive work, it combines academic analysis with practical examples and case studies. The book will be of interest to researchers and students.

Book Synopsis

Reflexivity is vital in social research projects, but there remains relatively little advice on how to execute it in practice. This book provides social science researchers with both a strong rationale for the importance of thinking reflexively and a practical guide to doing reflexivity within their research. The first book on the subject to build primarily on the theoretical and empirical contributions of Pierre Bourdieu's reflexive work, it combines academic analysis with practical examples and case studies, drawing both on recent reflexive research projects and original empirical data from new projects conducted by the author. Written in an engaging and accessible style, the book will be of interest to researchers from all career stages and disciplinary backgrounds, but especially early-career researchers and students who are struggling with subjectivity, positionality, and the realities of being reflexive.

Review Quotes

"Excellent book! Clearly discusses Bourdieu's framework and shows how it can be applied. Also great to have some guidance on what reflexivity is and how Bourdieu's framework can be applied to support it. Well written; a pleasure to read." Sarah Boodt, Sheffield Hallam University

About the Author

Jon Dean is a senior lecturer in politics and sociology at Sheffield Hallam University. His research focuses on the voluntary sector and charitable giving, with a particular interest in inequalities within the charity sphere, especially around social class and youth participation. He also works in the field of homelessness, and the representation of need in fundraising appeals.