Oral History in Social Work : Research, Assessment, and Intervention

This is an excellent guide to conducting oral history research. Ruth Martin defines oral history and introduces readers to its basic principles and methodologies. She then provides step-by-step guidelines for using oral histories in various settings with diverse populations. The text is illustrated with examples of oral histories including those of ethnic and racial minorities, new immigrants and elderly women.

1. Valuing the Subjective Experience: Oral History as Qualitative Research / 2. Using Theoretical Perspectives for Oral History Research in Social Work and Social Work Education / 3. Making a Bridge: Moving from Social Work Practice Knowledge and Skill to Oral History Research Skill / 4. Generating and Recording Oral Histories: Process and Method / 5. Analyzing and Interpreting Data and Writing Up the Project / 6. Black Family Adaption, Survival, and Growth Strategies: An Oral History Project / 7. The Realities of Soviet Jewish Migration: Illustrated Through Slava′s Narratives / 8. Recapturing the Purpose of Settlements Through Oral History / 9. Oral History Methodology to Examine Issues of Adolescent Mothers / 10. Understanding Communities: The Pliny Street Block Association / 11. Concluding Remarks: Incorporating Oral History in Social Work Research / References