Critical Theory with Marginalised Groups

"Until the lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunters." This African proverb underscores the main theme of this book, which conveys how a group of African American women whose sons have a diagnosis of ADHD welcome the opportunity as research participants to tell their own stories, which simultaneously transform their lives. Metaphorically, the women are the 'lions' and the numerous professionals, researchers, educators and the like are the 'hunters' who frequently tell these women's stories from a professionals' perspective. Privilege is given to these women's voice - an experience they seldom encounter when interacting with healthcare professionals, the wider healthcare system, and research investigators. In the process, this group of African American women candidly articulates their needs, identify gaps in service provision, succeed in having their unmet needs met, and emphasise eight domains significant to their lives and the lives of their sons. Critical theory, Black feminist thought and principles from group psychotherapy assist to facilitate the process to redress the imbalance, and thus hear "the "lion's story."