Radical imagination and “otherwise possibilities” in qualitative research

Abstract

This humanscript is an attempt to extend the limits of our qualitative research, theorizing and praxis alongside youth engaged in social justice projects. Research must bend, shift, and transform to the needs and will of communities–especially youth–whose voices in research are often maligned or misrepresented, if heard at all. Imagination and creativity are pathways to “otherwise” possibilities or alternative approaches to qualitative research theories, methodologies, and methods. This article offers three vignettes drawn from research projects with youth of color wherein three key commitments emerge: Double Dutch methodology, desire-based frameworks and projects in humanization, storying and listening. These are commitments to doing qualitative research with youth in more humanizing and creative ways.