Pastoral Relationship with People with Intellectual ... - Theses

160achieve the required measure of knowledge and understanding of the people andcontext in question. 426It is such consideration that points to the inclusivity of the constructivistapproach. By dint of embracing a multiplicity of perspectives there develops anacceptance of a diversity of individual and collective value systems, and thepractices and behaviours that emanate from them. At the same time suchacceptance causes the enquirer to acknowledge the limitations of their own valuesystem and practice, and to challenge personal prejudices. Ultimately, theembracing of a multiplicity of perspectives causes this practitioner to develop anenhanced pastoral practice. It will be one that more fully and comprehensivelyaccounts for the reality in which the caring role is exercised, and that mosteffectively offers liberation to those who are the focus of reflection.It stands to reason that the more perspectives on understanding, and themore thorough these perspectives are in description and analysis, the moreauthentic and holistic will be the understanding of the sourced reality. In relationto this extended reflection, that involves careful consideration of various narrativesources related to the people with intellectual disability who live in theinstitutional setting. Consideration also needs to be given to the uniquecircumstances of the institution in question, its traditions, values and history, andthe ways in which it subsequently influences the lives of those for whom it bearsresponsibility. Attention also needs to be given to outside institutional influencessuch as prevailing disability philosophies for these can have a substantial effecton institutional practice.5.3.4 The Internal Frame-of-ReferencePurely scientific modes of enquiry rely on rational forms ofepistemological enquiry and outcomes in order to prove their validity. However,a constructivist approach is required when the focus of enquiry is concerned withhuman beings and relationships, as is the case with this extended reflection. It isin this context that responses and reactions are observed as altering according tointernal variables such as personality, mood and health, and socio-politicallyderived variables such as social location, status, resources and power. In such a426 Issues of careful observation and collegial analysis, and their contribution to rigorousanalysis, will be considered later in this chapter. Rigor contributes significantly to thetrustworthiness and authenticity of the reflection. See,ibid., 36, 54.