Hermeneutic Phenomenology as a Research Method in Social Work

Abstract

Hermeneutic phenomenology has not been widely used as a research method in social work.The purpose of this article is to give a brief overview of this approach to research, and to discuss how the method was applied to a particular research project. First, the article discusses how the researcher oriented herself to the topic and gives a brief overview of the historical background of hermeneutic phenomenology. The next section discusses Gadamer’s three metaphors of understanding: the fusion of horizons, the act of dialogue and the hermeneutic circle. Examples from the research findings are used to illustrate how these concepts were applied. The article concludes with a discussion of the strengths and limitations of the method. It is hoped that this article will encourage other researchers to consider hermeneutic phenomenology as a method in the generation of social work knowledge.