ABSTRACT
This chapter engages in a critical discussion of the different orientations of social research with black people (throughout the paper the term ‘black’ will be used in reference to black and minority ethnic (BME) groups). In doing so, it seeks to develop a model that is more responsive to oppressed groups whilst remaining committed to methodological rigour. The first section provides a historical context to the orientation of social research with BME individuals and communities, outlining, in particular, the ways social research has often acted to generate and reinforce racist oppression. The second section engages more directly with methodological issues and delineates the key components underpinning an emancipatory research paradigm.
