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Contextualising Relationships Between Mothers and Practitioners: Social Structures, Causal Factors, and Generative Mechanisms

Author

Listed:
  • Wendy Sims-Schouten

    (University of Portsmouth, UK)

  • Sarah Barton

    (University of Portsmouth, UK)

Abstract

This study seeks to build an explanation of the sociological, psychological, and political processes and practices involved in relationships between mothers and practitioners, as generative and causal powers that underlie and shape this. Critical realist’s primacy of ontology forms the starting point, with grounded theory as the epistemological force providing critical realism’s method, contextualising research, and embedding this more firmly into practice. As such, this article offers critical realist grounded theory (CRGT) as a tool for contextualising parent–practitioner relationships, drawing on retroductive argumentation, which involves moving from the level of observation and lived experiences to making (non-linear) inferences about underlying structures/mechanisms that may account for the phenomena. Thirty-four participants participated in six in-depth focus group discussions; three were with early years practitioners and three with mothers of children aged between 2 years and 4 years. Focused coding led to themes reflecting the lived experiences of mothers and practitioners, namely being valued, relationships, what happens at home, child at the centre , and when I am not there. In line with CRGT, multiple causal mechanisms (including the interpretations of each situation made by individuals) were identified that were active in the situated contexts. To improve relationships between mothers and practitioners, attention needs to be paid to the psychological, social, and political forces at play, as generative, causal, and contextual powers, that have an impact on the status and relationships of the players within this triad (mothers, practitioners, and child).

Suggested Citation

  • Wendy Sims-Schouten & Sarah Barton, 2020. "Contextualising Relationships Between Mothers and Practitioners: Social Structures, Causal Factors, and Generative Mechanisms," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 25(3), pages 369-385, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:25:y:2020:i:3:p:369-385
    DOI: 10.1177/1360780419870808
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vincent Miller, 2015. "Resonance as a Social Phenomenon," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 20(2), pages 58-70, May.
    2. Lee, Frederic, 2012. "Critical realism, grounded theory, and theory construction in heterodox economics," MPRA Paper 40341, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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