Journal Description

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
Articles by oppressed voices that often have been silenced, and from authors working in contexts that are new to publishing on qualitative research and practice and are exploring new possibilities for the use of qualitative research and practice. We welcome articles from practitioners, new researchers and others who are finding creative ways to work with and write about qualitative research and practice. Articles may take the form of concise reviews, syntheses, reports, innovative writing forms, or reflective analyses based on dissertations and theses completed or in process, conference papers or practice accounts. Normally 10-15 pages (2750-4000 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.