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In:Reflexive and Reflective Research Approaches in Applied Linguistics
Edited by Pejman Habibie and Richard D. Sawyer
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 8] 2025
► pp. 120–138

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Chapter 7
The role of duoethnography in critical ELT research

Reflexivity, ideology critique, and praxis

ORCiD logo with link | Ochanomizu University
Published online: 3 March 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.8.07low
Abstract
Duoethnography is an approach to research often associated with critical projects; that is, with research which is focused on issues of discrimination, prejudice, and social justice. In recent years, such research has often been aligned theoretically with post structuralism, which resists theory building, and instead aims to question and deconstruct dominant power relations. However, there has been a recent move in critical ELT research towards forms of critique associated with Marxism, critical realism, and critical theory. Building on this structural (re)turn, this chapter explores the role duoethnography could play in a research program oriented around the post-Marxist critical theory of the early Frankfurt School. Drawing on a conception of critical theory as a form of self-reflexive social science focused on ideology critique and emancipatory praxis, this chapter explores how the dialogic nature of duoethnography could be reconstituted as an engine for theoretical development and consciousness raising. It is suggested that through processes of immanent critique, duoethnography could be used to evaluate the internal coherence of claims within a critical program of research in ELT, as well as identifying starting points for ideology critique. Finally, the accessibility of duoethnographic work is presented as a possible route for transforming research into praxis.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Duoethnography in ELT
  • Critical ELT research
  • Critical theory
  • What role does duoethnography play?
    • Reflexivity and critique of the claims of critical ELT
    • Ideology critique
    • Contributing to praxis
  • Limitations and concerns
  • Ethical issues
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
References (81)
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