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Examining Qualitative Alternatives to Categorical Representation: The Case of Culture and Health

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Handbook of Qualitative Health Research for Evidence-Based Practice

Part of the book series: Handbooks in Health, Work, and Disability ((SHHDW,volume 4))

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Abstract

This chapter illustrates ways qualitative research has shaped our understandings of cultural influences on health and considers some of the problems, particularly the problems associated with categorization and representation, that have arisen as the culture concept has been taken up in research and practice. In addition, it illustrates ways qualitative research can offer alternatives to categorical representation. To achieve these aims, I draw upon my own program of research that seeks to generate insights that may help us to understand and address inequities in health. In this chapter I offer a brief overview of the theoretical stance that informs my program of research and explicate the ways this stance is reflected in how the research is conceptualized and undertaken. I then introduce and illustrate the methodological techniques and analytic tools and resources that can be employed to achieve the research goals while also countering the problems associated with categorical representation. Examples of ways these approaches can be enacted over the course of the research process, from framing the question to presenting the analyses and engaging in knowledge translation, are provided.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    We would like to acknowledge the contribution of our multiple research partners. In particular, we would like to acknowledge the important role of our community partners, the Network of Inner City Community Services Society (NICCSS) and the Ray Cam Community Co-operative. We also wish to recognize the leadership and support provided by the BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCHA), as well as the ongoing commitment of our various RICHER clinicians. Finally, we would like to thank our research participants for their vital input. It is their willingness to work with us and to share their experiences and perspectives that allows us to gain new insights.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    M. Judith Lynam R.N., Ph.D.

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  1. M. Judith Lynam R.N., Ph.D.
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Correspondence to M. Judith Lynam R.N., Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

    Karin Olson

  2. Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, and Special Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Richard A. Young

  3. Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, and Special Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Izabela Z. Schultz

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Lynam, M.J. (2016). Examining Qualitative Alternatives to Categorical Representation: The Case of Culture and Health. In: Olson, K., Young, R., Schultz, I. (eds) Handbook of Qualitative Health Research for Evidence-Based Practice. Handbooks in Health, Work, and Disability, vol 4. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2920-7_3

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