Leadership Through Language, Terminology and Representation: Conceptual and Tangible Steps Towards Epistemic Justice Practices
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This article is based on research about language, terminology and representation in relation to institutions in Ireland formerly known as ‘Mother and Baby Homes’. Learning from this research informs tangible and conceptual steps towards greater epistemic justice practices for social work. The concept of epistemic justice is used to explore how critical attention to language, terminology and testimony can contribute to promoting rights, countering stigma, recognising diversity and actively challenging misrepresentation, mis-framing and misrecognition. Based on a sample of research findings that demonstrate epistemic injustice, the main themes discussed are identity (motherhood, childhood), places (institutions) and processes (adoption). In the discussion, we draw from participant’s recommendations to outline how social work can provide enhanced leadership in relation to the use of language, terminology and representation and consider this in the context of current research relating to epistemic justice. Given the centrality of language, terminology and representation to social work, there is a significant opportunity within an international context to build on existing knowledge within the profession as well as amongst other professionals, organisations and wider society. To inform this improved ‘knowing and doing’, a number of conceptual and tangible steps to encourage epistemically just practices within social work are identified.
DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcae162
Authors: Carmel Devaney, Caroline Mc Gregor, Sarah Anne Buckley
Institution: Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,571
Funder: Irish Research Council
OpenAlex ID: W4402875912