Exploring the Potential of Institutional Ethnography in Diaconal Research

Abstract

Diaconal practice often works to improve people’s well-being and is involved with conditions of social harm and marginalization. Research traditions and perspectives hold different views on the purposes and aims of research as well as the role of knowledge production regarding a practice field. This article contributes to the conversation on research approaches in diaconal studies. It argues that Institutional Ethnography (IE), which builds on a particular ontological and epistemological understanding, provides theoretical insights and analytical tools useful for diaconal research. It also discusses potential ways of thinking with IE approaches, using a particular case that has challenged diaconal reflection and responses in the Scandinavian countries: After the “Eastern” expansion of the EU in 2007, the mobility of EU citizens – many of whom are Roma – who generate income through informal street work introduced more extreme forms of social and economic marginalization in otherwise affluent Northern countries. In response to the new social realities, diaconal and nongovernmental organizations pioneered social work for people otherwise excluded from the nation-based welfare systems. IE shares concerns with other liberatory perspectives discussed in diaconal research. This article shows how IE can be particularly useful in accounting for how power operates in society and the analytical capabilities that can make visible possibilities – and challenges – for social change.

Keywords

• marginalization
• Institutional Ethnography
• diaconal research
• Dorothy Smith
• EU-citizens in precarious conditions