The (im)possibilities of poststructuralist and critical social nursing inquiry

Methodologies of poststructuralist theory and critical social theory may be appropriated for nursing research and practice. Researchers using either methodology employ an analysis of power to explore experiences in various fields, and raise issues that are highly relevant to nursing. However, the two methodologies differ and, often, the respective theories are sharply opposed. In this paper, the differences both from within and between each approach are explored, showing their tensions and limits. I contend that a reflexive approach to discourse analysis provides insight into some of the methodological challenges that arise in the context of both theories. It is argued that the differences between poststructuralism and critical social theory seem likely to be mellowed by encounters that treat each other with respect. To some extent, such encounters may tend to converge the two positions.