Abstract

MJI, Gubela. The use of the confessional tale as a tool to enter the critical tale and become an advocate for those at the margins - a researcher's journey and reflection. S. Afr. j. occup. ther. [online]. 2008, vol.38, n.1, pp.3-8. ISSN 2310-3833.

In this article the author describes her journey and reflection during the process of conducting qualitative research on homeless people with mobility impairments. After having entered the environment of the homeless people with mobility impairments, the researcher s previous assumptions and stance regarding the role she is required to play during research and afterwards is closely examined. The author uses the confessional tale to map out her journey and reflection including the experience of conducting ethnographic research with homeless people with mobility impairments. At the core of the researcher's reflective confessional tale is the display of how she grapples with trying to draw lines between her own assumptions regarding the participants and the need for her to find the critical tale for this marginalised group of people - the homeless people with mobility impairments. The paper ends by making recommendations on the key principles that a researcher should take cognizance of on becoming a conscious advocate.

Keywords : homeless people; mobility impairments; realistic; confessional; critical tales.

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