Phenomenology in qualitative research: expanding its use and pluralizing its evaluative criteria

Since its inception, phenomenology has developed in dialogue with the empirical sciences. It has been applied to and integrated with psychiatry, sociology, psychology, and cognitive science, transcending its original philosophical heritage. It has also been extensively used within qualitative research paradigms. This paper aims to show how work coming out of the Center for Subjectivity Research has initiated a new wave of interdisciplinary conversation and criticism between the domains of phenomenology and qualitative research. Much of this conversation has concerned and still concerns the “correct” use of phenomenology within qualitative research methods, interviews in particular. We argue that this focus overshadows greater potential for developments in phenomenology, qualitative research methods and beyond. To unfold this potential, we define a “pragmatic use” of phenomenology, focusing on scientific and societal impact rather than orthodox, exegetical interpretation. From there, we point to alternative venues of contribution showing how phenomenology can help facilitate broader participation, public engagement and more democratic knowledge sharing, of value especially for non-academics. Finally, we argue for a pluralization of evaluative criteria, allowing phenomenological work in qualitative research to be assessed according to both its academic, epistemic and methodological value and its non-academic, practical, participatory and societal contributions.