Reflections on a Systematic Literature Review: Questioning the (In)visibility of Researcher Positionality

This critical commentary is developed from the author’s experience of conducting a systematic review and thematic synthesis of literature investigating social worker’s perceptions of bureaucracy in frontline practice. Reading widely contributes to the development of knowledge, evidence-based practice and research skills, yet the majority of literature consulted failed to address the influence of researcher positionality in research design, data collection, analysis or presentation. Questions of quality reporting in published literature are raised, identifying a stark contrast between research reporting practices and social work values. As social work practitioners, educators and students, we need to question why is positionality widely invisible in the publication of qualitative social work research, what is being prioritised in literature and does this align with the core values of the social work profession?