Book Review
Health and Social Research in Multiethnic Societies
James Y Nazroo
ISBN: 978-0-415393-66-9; 2006; 218 pages; Routledge;
Barbara Lonbaken
Associate Dean for Student Wellness; Director of Student Health Service, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND United States of America
This book addresses the methodological issues related to research on ethnicity. The authors identify the gap between good intentions and actual practice in research, and present solutions to the reader. An underlying theme of the book is that a principle reason for research related to multicultural societies is to improve the status quo - researchers desire a positive outcome for the end users.
In this edited book of readings, three themes emerge from the issues presented by the contributors: (1) exclusion and inclusion; (2) the effectiveness and relevance of research techniques; and (3) the political and ethical dimensions of data collection and their implications. In the first theme, authors stress the importance of appropriately measuring ethnicity and race, especially as it relates to planning and service delivery. Moving from exclusion to inclusion involves collaborating with and understanding the worldviews of users and not labeling minority ethnic groups as 'other' and the 'white' majority as mainstream. The function of research becomes that of informing policy and practice and, ultimately, improving the health inequalities that persist in relation to multiculturalism.
The extent of the effectiveness and relevance of interventions was the second theme. Addressing diversity and health inequalities through programming efforts is necessary, in addition to acknowledging the complex relationship between ethnicity and health. Ethnic and language matching are encouraged throughout the research process. Moreover, the need for researchers to be culturally aware, knowledgeable and sensitive is paramount to being culturally competent. The third theme relates to the politics and ethics of doing research today and suggests a position of scientific neutrality. However, value reference is innate in social research and likely to be compatible with the interests of the wealthy and powerful, or those who fund research. The hope is that the value judgments researchers bring to their work provide a strong ethical and political base that respects and values diverse communities in multicultural societies.
This book serves as a useful tool for those conducting research involving ethnic minority people, providing guidance on appropriate methodologies. Individuals involved in carrying out and using research will find this resource has positive implications for best practice.
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