Good translations in combining qualitative research and the arts: The case of a dramaturgical approach to convey counternarratives of service users in long-term care
By Marjolijn Heerings
Workshop Round 2 – Balcony left side
Language: English
Abstract
How can we think of goodness in projects where qualitative research and the arts are combined? In this workshop we investigate this question by thinking with the concept of ‘loose translation’ developed by Michael Guggenheim (2015). If we think of different steps taken in such projects as ‘loose translations’ how can we say something about the quality of those translations? We argue the language of quality criteria in qualitative research is unable to fully capture issues of goodness in translations made in such cross-overs. Instead we need to include other logics in thinking about quality developed in the specific artistic disciplines involved. Using different logics combined, however, also raises tensions. In this workshop we present our preliminary analysis of the case of a dramaturgical approach to convey counternarratives of service users in long term care. We engage in reflective exercises using your own projects as examples.
What to expect:
We will engage in a reflective exercise to think about the ‘loose translations’ made in projects that combine research and the arts; the affordances of both the research and artistic disciplines involved; their implied logics on quality and the tensions between these logics. We will do so by designing a talking piece in smaller groups.
About the maker:
Marjolijn Heerings is assistant professor at the healthcare governance group at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam. Her research centers around the question how clients, professionals and family members may co-create quality in long term care. For this purpose she developed the method: ‘Ask Us!’ (www.alsjehetonsvraagtdan.nl) which includes reflection on small videoclips which are the result of ethnographic research and collaboration with an inclusive theatre company: Theater Babel Rotterdam. Marjolijn furthermore is co-founder and boardmember of Kwalitatief Onderzoekscollectief GGZ (www.koggz.nl) which aims to foster qualitative research in the mental healthcare field.