Show Notes
Welcome to another episode of The Words Matter Podcast.
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Anna originally trained as a Physiotherapist (Pirkanmaa University of Applied Sciences in Finland), and then pursued Master of Art’s in Philosophy, Politics and Economics of Health (UCL in London).
She recently completed her PhD in Humanities, at the
Centre for Applied Philosophy, Politics and Ethics, at the University of Brighton, UK. Her
thesis analysed the relationship between theory and practice of the critical theorist
Theodor Adorno’s philosophy and her work re-reads the relationship in the context of ethical theories and concepts used in physiotherapy.
Anna is currently working as a Researcher in the Academy of Finland funded project Assembling Postcapitalist International Political Economy at
Tampere University in Finland, in which she is analysing global physiotherapy discourses on dementia, politics, and economics.
Anna’s research interests include German and French philosophy, medical humanities, ethics, politics of affect, and philosophy and global political economy of dementia, mental health, incontinence, and rehabilitation.
She has
published on the embodied value of long-term care and
critical physiotherapy ethics, and she is currently preparing both single- and co-authored publications on Critical Discourse Analysis and diverse economies of dementia rehabilitation, deconstructive readings of incontinence-related political economy, and a critical reading of Shakespeare’s character Richard III.
So she perfectly qualified to walk us through critical theory.
In this episode we speak about:
- Critical theory as a framework for pursing qualitative research (see book here by Jerry Willis that we mention in our chat).
- The reach of critical theory into political, social and economic life.
- How qualitative research which is situated in critical theory looks to challenge the taken for granted assumptions, social norms and practices and the understanding of discourses and power inequalities.
- How critical theory is also critical of itself and has gone some way to evolving away from its Marxist roots.
- How critical research tries to go beyond merely describing the social world and its problems but has a moral focus on change, action and emancipation as a result of the knowledge it generates.
- Finally Anna shares some of her own research using her critical theory lens and offers advice for those wanting to begin to explore and think with critical theory (see here).
So this was such an interesting and enlightening conversation with Anna. As you’ll hear, I was somewhat daunted by the theoretical, social and political weight and breadth of critical theory and I was concerned I would feel like a child lost in an amusement park when trying to convey its history and relevance to qualitative work – but fortunately Anna held my hand firmly and skilfully guided me through the conversation.
While we didn’t dive deep into critical theory, as we would have never likely never surfaced – I think that we covered sufficient ground to introduce some of its major premises and positions and hope it provide an entrance point for those wanting to learn more – I know it certainly did for me.
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What is The Words Matter Podcast with Oliver Thomson?
The Words Matter Podcast brings you insights, reflections and conversations focused on the latest evidence, theory, philosophy and practice of communication-focused healthcare.
Find out about the more tacit, 'softer' and personal side of clinical practice such as the role of philosophy, beliefs, behaviours, developing therapeutic relationships or the purposeful use of language with people experiencing pain from expert academics, clinicians and researchers from across the world and spanning the musculoskeletal disciplines. This podcast will help you reflect on your own current practice and inform and stimulate you to consider new ways of approaching your practice and patients, to create a better clinical experience and outcomes in people with musculoskeletal pain.
Hosted by Dr Oliver Thomson PhD, an osteopath and Associate Professor who is passionate about researching and educating clinicians on a revised narrative, communication and biopsychosocial approach to musculoskeletal therapy. If you like the podcast, subscribe and check out the online learning and resources at www.wordsmatter-education.com.
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