Tulkintalähtöisyys

Tulkintalähtöisyys, often translated as interpretative or hermeneutic orientation, refers to an approach in research and understanding that emphasizes the subjective meaning-making processes of individuals and groups. It posits that reality is not an objective, pre-existing entity to be discovered, but rather is constructed through interpretation and social interaction. This perspective is rooted in hermeneutics, the theory of interpretation, and influences fields such as sociology, anthropology, psychology, and education.

Researchers adopting a tulkintalähtöisyys seek to understand the world from the viewpoint of those being studied. Instead of looking for universal laws or causal relationships, the focus is on exploring the nuances, contexts, and diverse meanings that individuals ascribe to their experiences, actions, and social phenomena. Methods commonly employed include qualitative approaches such as interviews, participant observation, and analysis of texts and discourse, aiming to uncover the rich tapestry of human understanding. The goal is not to generalize findings to a larger population in a statistical sense, but to provide deep, context-specific insights into how people make sense of their lives and the world around them. This approach values the plurality of perspectives and acknowledges that understanding is always partial and situated.