Qualitative Social Work

Qualitative Social Work

Research and Practice


eISSN: 17413117 | ISSN: 14733250 | Current volume: 23 | Current issue: 2 Frequency: Bi-monthly

Qualitative Social Work provides a forum for those interested in qualitative research and evaluation and in qualitative approaches to practice.

The journal includes the following regular special features:

Response and Commentary
Responses to previous articles in the journal or contributions that initiate discussion of current research and practice issues.

Practice and Teaching of Qualitative Social Work
Critical 'how-to' accounts and reflections on the methodology and practice of qualitative social work.

New Voices
‘New Voices’ seeks submissions to this journal that are considered innovative and novel ways of conducting research and representing findings. We are particularly interested in the execution of new methodologies, innovative means of data collection, and the exploration of subject matter not previously researched. ‘New Voices’ aims to encourage the originality of perspectives of scholars in the early stage of publishing their work, and social workers who present novel insights in applying quality inquiry to their practice. We are also interested in submissions from practitioner-researchers, who bring a wealth of field experience and knowledge. We are especially willing to hear the voices of those who shed light on the perspectives of people historically marginalised in the literature, and those of social workers engaged in anti-oppressive practice.

Articles may take the form of concise reviews, syntheses, reports, innovative and creative writing forms, or reflective analyses based on practice accounts. The incorporation of non-written material such as photographs and artifacts is also welcomed. Article length should not exceed 4000 words. 

Technical Applications
Reviews of developments that impact on qualitative research and practice such as qualitative analysis software and voice activated recording devices.

This journal accepts supplementary materials, e.g. audio/video files, datasets, additional images etc. For more information please see our guidelines

"Qualitative Social Work has become an extraordinary resource for social scientists and practitioners alike." Catherine Kohler Riessman, Boston College, USA

"QSW is a key reference source both for substansive studies and for methodological papers." Mike Fisher, Social Care Institute for Excellence, UK

"In five short years Qualitative Social Work has become a pre-eminent journal, showcasing the range, usefulness and forms of qualitative social work research. This journal has been long-overdue." Norman K. Denzin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA

"Qualitative Social Work bridges the theory-practice divide by providing up-to-date field-based research that develops and tests the theoretical foundations of social work practice. Equally important, it brings the rigorous thinking of research to bear in investigating scholarly work on social work practice and issues. Both scholars and practitioners need access to this important resource." Michael Q. Patton, Ph.D.

"Qualitative Social Work provides a truly international forum for academics and practitioners to explore the interrelationship between qualitative research and knowledge practice in social work and related disciplines. In encouraging reflection on both the outcomes and processes of research and practice it will contribute to internationally relevant knowledge creation and quality practice. A journal of this stature is most welcome and long overdue." Joan Orme, Glasgow University

Electronic Access:

Qualitative Social Work
is available to browse online.

Journal URL: https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/journal/qualitative-social-work http://journals.sagepub.com/home/qsw