In Pursuit of Culturally and Socially Respectful Research: Relational Theory and Practice

Authors

Gregory Smith, Narrative Practitioners, Melbourne, AustraliaFollow
Mark Hammersley, Narrative Practitioners, Melbourne, AustraliaFollow
Leslie Stanley, Community Elder, AustraliaFollow

Abstract

Our article supports researchers committed to culturally and socially respectful practices, irrespective of the setting. When involved in social research, we are challenged by differences in culture, society and individual experience. These differences impact directly on peoples we are seeking to support through research, on ourselves as researchers and the design and conduct of the research project. These can involve perplexing and demanding challenges to respectful practice. In recent decades social research methodologies have sought to respond to these challenges. We describe a framework of relational theory that supports research practices seeking to reflect the experiences, knowledges and priorities of peoples being supported through research. The framework draws on extensive literatures contributing to social construction theory and those of First Nations authors, consolidated into key themes. We document the application of the framework to a project involving a non-First Nations practitioner/researcher, a First Nations manager/practitioner, a community Elder and residents of a First Nations-controlled alcohol and other drug (AoD) rehabilitation facility. The approach seeks to liberate all peoples involved in research projects to contribute to changes in the broader community, and to developments in identities of all involved – including researchers.

Keywords

relational theory, relational research, de-colonising research, social construction, First Nations

Author Bio(s)

Greg Smith is of Irish and English lineage, with extensive experience in casework, therapy, community projects, policy and training. He has facilitated training and narrative counselling at Aboriginal-controlled services for the last 24 years. Qualifications include a PhD and Masters in Narrative Therapy and Community Work, and Social Work. Please direct correspondence to gregsmith.melbourne@gmail.com

Mark Hammersley is of Aboriginal lineage, with more than 20 years’ experience working with Aboriginal communities. Mark's primary interest has been supporting Aboriginal men seeking to change their relationships with violence, drugs and alcohol. This has included 13 years as senior manager of the Aboriginal Men’s AoD recovery service at which the project described in this article was based. Mark has a Masters in Narrative Therapy and Community Work. Mark is also a practicing artist with qualifications in art therapy. He is currently a facilitator at Dardi Munwurro, a specialist Aboriginal family violence service based in Victoria. Please direct correspondence to mark.hammersley@dardimunwurro.com.au

Uncle Leslie Stanley is a Murri from the Winton/ Longreach/ Barcaldine area, Central West of Queensland. Les is a widely respected community Elder in St.Kilda, Melbourne, who draws on his life experiences to support other men and women. Uncle Leslie is an accomplished artist and has been commissioned for a range of public artworks in the area. Please direct correspondence to lesliemurristanley@gmail.com

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the Wurundjeri and Bunurong peoples as traditional owners of the land where this article was developed, the men who contributed accounts of their lives to the project and the cultural guidance provided by Uncle Leslie Stanley.

Publication Date

1-31-2026

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2026.7269

Recommended APA Citation

Smith, G., Hammersley, M., & Stanley, L. (2026). In pursuit of culturally and socially respectful research: Relational theory and practice. The Qualitative Report, 31(1), 5076-5088. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2026.7269

ORCID ID

0000-0002-5362-6651