“Am I enough?” reflecting on identity and positionality while gathering qualitative data / Kgothatso Mokgele.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Mokgele, Kgothatso, author.

Series:

Sage Research Methods: Diversifying and Decolonizing Research.

Sage Research Methods: Diversifying and Decolonizing Research

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Participant observation.

Identity politics--Research.

Identity politics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

London : SAGE Publications Ltd, 2024.

Summary:

The identity of the researcher can have an effect on the richness and nuance of the data. In conducting fieldwork, I have found that there is a correlation between participants' willingness to disclose information with the researcher and the degree to which they share identification markers in common with the researcher. As a component of my identity, I am a Black male who identifies as gay, and when I articulated who I am as a part of that identity, it changed the dialogue and allowed me to collect rich data. The diversity of the data was, however, affected by the fact that some people viewed my sexuality as an issue. There are ways that qualitative researchers can get around this obstacle, and one of those ways is through storytelling. This approach to data collection and distribution deviates from traditional approaches by avoiding the use of detached and formal language, which can potentially create a sense of alienation among readers or viewers. Nevertheless, this format possesses the ability to establish a connection and facilitate comprehension across a wider range of individuals. By including narrative elements in the process of data collecting, researchers are able not only to infuse their data with a sense of humanity but also to generate a lasting and emotionally captivating experience for both participants and the audience. Participants will not get the impression that they are taking part in an interview when they are given the opportunity to reflect in this manner on who they are and the positionality they hold. Because we are qualitative researchers investigating delicate topics such as masculinity and gender, it is our responsibility to look for original and nontraditional ways to engage the people whose opinions we value. This allows us to both learn from their experiences and share those experiences with others.

Notes:

Description based on XML content.

ISBN:

1-5296-8234-7

9781529682342

OCLC:

1428169809