The Use of Multiculturally-Competent Research Methods to Promote Social Justice in Counseling and Psychology

Social justice enjoys a long history in the fields of counseling and psychology. Despite this, several authors have noted barriers to a more thorough integration of a social justice orientation into these fields. With this special issue we attempt to address some of these barriers by focusing on the ways that research may be used to promote social justice. Specifically, we aim to guide counselors and psychologists in the production and consumption of research that promotes social justice by modeling this research and providing recommendations for implementing it. With five interrelated papers, including this introduction paper and a conclusion paper, we hope to meet three major goals. First, we intend to extend the existing awareness and understanding of research that promotes social justice, especially where understudied populations (e.g., those experiencing material poverty, immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ individuals) are concerned. Second, we hope that by engaging in a discussion of socially just research we highlight one means of strengthening the relationship between research and practice. Third, we intend to offer “best practices” recommendations. In working toward these three goals, we hope to encourage rigor and a high standard for socially just research as well as an appreciation of diverse methodologies.