It has been noted by researchers from a variety of backgrounds that the dominant social research paradigms have frequently failed to represent the viewpoints of many marginalized groups. The authors of this collection confront this imbalance by looking at how issues such as ethnicity, sexual orientation and identity, disability, gender and ethnicity, and health and old age can be addressed in research conducted among groups who may often be the objects of research, but who seldom have control over what is said about them. Containing sections written by contributors from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and nationalities, the chapters explore ways in which issues of social diversity and division within the research process might be addressed. While considering whether this might be done through an emancipatory research paradigm, the book also examines the philosophical tenets and methodological implications of such an approach.

This important collection, first published in 1993, brings together the most comprehensive analyses of women's experience in business to date. The small business world - usually associated with men - is unpacked to display the multiple roles played by women. Links are made between lifestyles and business-styles, the interface between business and family life, paid and unpaid work and changing social and economic patterns. Throughout, the limitations of current theory, practice and policies in underestimating the significance of female entrepreneurship are shown. International in perspective, and drawing on the work of leading researchers in work and employment, this volume illuminates the hidden assumptions underlying approaches which concern themselves only with businessmen. It points the way to a better understanding of the meaning of self-employment and small business enterprise in market economies and to a more effective explanation of their role.

It has been noted by researchers from a variety of backgrounds that the dominant social research paradigms have frequently failed to represent the viewpoints of many marginalized groups. The authors of this collection confront this imbalance by looking at how issues such as ethnicity, sexual orientation and identity, disability, gender and ethnicity, and health and old age can be addressed in research conducted among groups who may often be the objects of research, but who seldom have control over what is said about them.

Containing sections written by contributors from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and nationalities, the chapters explore ways in which issues of social diversity and division within the research process might be addressed. While considering whether this might be done through an emancipatory research paradigm, the book also examines the philosophical tenets and methodological implications of such an approach.

Social research plays an important part in the social sciences and in the planning and implementation of personal social services. Whilst considerable attention has been paid to the methods used to undertake social research, little has been done to explore the processes under which it is carried out. This volume explores the process of social research from an anti-discriminatory perspective. Contributors address themes connected to every aspect of social research from its design, through fieldwork to implementation of findings. Papers adopt critical perspectives to explore issues to do with many aspects of power and 'difference' in research including the power of black feminist research, issues in collaborative research, anti-discriminatory methodologies, quality of life in people with learning difficulties and participatory research. The book addresses many key issues which have been at the centre of current social debate and offers a unique contribution to the literature on research methodology. As such, it is likely to have a wide readership with both academic audiences and practice based welfare professions.