If Adorno Met Intersectionality Theory: Reconceiving the Method of Negative Case Analysis

Abstract

This article endeavors to present a methodological innovation that is described here as Adornian negative case analysis (ANCA). The method of negative case analysis is theoretically expanded upon using Adornian and Intersectional lenses and in doing so, it provides a means by which equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) can be substantiated in research design. ANCA is inclusive of underrepresented perspectives so that points of comparison can be created with the intent of challenging assumptions that have historically negated the experiences of diverse and equity-seeking groups. Understanding that negative case data require saturation, identities can be appreciated as irreducibly complex, but subsequently explored in relation to the universalizing social categories that work to sustain imbalanced power relations. To demonstrate how ANCA can be practically applied, the author will describe how it was used in her doctoral research study. Beginning with recruitment and following through to data analysis, this article provides a summary of how the substantiation of EDI in the design of a Constructivist Grounded Theory study transpired through ANCA.

Working Through Stigma: A Constructivist Grounded Theory of Delivering Health Services to Diverse 2SLGBTQ Populations

“…The method of negative case analysis was reconceived during the conduct of this study to purposively sample perspectives historically underrepresented in research ( Lane, 2021 ). Called ‘Adornian negative case analysis', this method promoted theoretical sampling by way of creating points of comparison that would be available when data were being analyzed, thus supporting the emergence of common power-related themes ( Lane, 2021 , 2022 ).…”

“…The method of negative case analysis was reconceived during the conduct of this study to purposively sample perspectives historically underrepresented in research ( Lane, 2021 ). Called ‘Adornian negative case analysis', this method promoted theoretical sampling by way of creating points of comparison that would be available when data were being analyzed, thus supporting the emergence of common power-related themes ( Lane, 2021 , 2022 ). Points of comparison were created in relation to a dominant point of comparison that was defined according to the broader social context within which the study was conducted; minoritized points of comparison can be considered negative cases if differences are teased out of a sample population for the purpose of challenging dominant norms that promote assumed ways of being ( Lane, 2021 ).…”

“…Called ‘Adornian negative case analysis', this method promoted theoretical sampling by way of creating points of comparison that would be available when data were being analyzed, thus supporting the emergence of common power-related themes ( Lane, 2021 , 2022 ). Points of comparison were created in relation to a dominant point of comparison that was defined according to the broader social context within which the study was conducted; minoritized points of comparison can be considered negative cases if differences are teased out of a sample population for the purpose of challenging dominant norms that promote assumed ways of being ( Lane, 2021 ). This was done by conceiving differences across five social categories of identity, enabling an exploration of domains of power operating across multiple forms of oppression ( Collins & Bilge, 2020 ).…”

“…Intersectionality Theory and the Frankfurt School's Critical Theory were used together to extend Charmaz's (2014) CGT methodology and methods, explore cultural domination reinforcing structural inequalities in primary care settings in NS, and promote the emergence of common themes. The methodological and theoretical complementarity between Intersectionality, Critical, and Constructivist Grounded Theories (Gibson, 2007;Kassam et al, 2020;Lane, 2021) was significant to this study's aim to conceive health service delivery in such a way that power relations could be explored by way of stigmatizing constructions of 2SLGBTQ populations. Conceiving practice as an externalization of internalized social structures (Bourdieu, 1977) intended to uncover unrealized opportunities for social change (Adorno, 1973) by thinking through subjective realities (Charmaz, 2019;Gibson, 2007;Kassam et al, 2020) that are historically underrepresented and thus interrogate that which is normatively constructed within the studied context (Lane, 2021).…”

“…Recruiting a diverse sample population resulted in an overrepresentation of historically underrepresented groups because extra attention was given to representing a broad range of experience and thus, meaning, among those involved in the research (DePoy & Gitlin, 2016;Flick, 2018). As such, the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion were substantiated in the research design (Lane, 2021).…”