Conceptualizing from the Inside: Advantages, Complications, and Demands on Insider Positionality

The debate on insider/outsider positionality has raised issues about the methodological advantages and liabilities between the two, yet no clear account exists for what insider scholars can expect when they enter the field. First, I conceptualize how insider positionality can dually benefit and disa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inQualitative report Vol. 13; no. 3; pp. 474 - 494
Main Author Chavez, Christina
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Nova Southeastern University 01.09.2008
Nova Southeastern University, Inc
Subjects
Analysis
Community life
Cultural Pluralism
Data Collection
Family (Sociological Unit)
Family Relationship
Group identity
Indigenous Populations
Methods
Mexican Americans
Minority Groups
Qualitative Research
Research Methodology
Researcher Subject Relations
Researchers
Social aspects
Social Influences
Social Justice
Social Psychology
United States
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Summary:The debate on insider/outsider positionality has raised issues about the methodological advantages and liabilities between the two, yet no clear account exists for what insider scholars can expect when they enter the field. First, I conceptualize how insider positionality can dually benefit and disadvantage the insider. Using a partial review of insider studies, including my study of my multigenerational Mexican American family, I also present a practical discussion on specific insider advantages and complications. In conclusion, I present a new approach to training novice insider scholars that will help them mediate between insider perspective and researcher position, an approach that promises greater rigor to insider research that will serve the goals of qualitative research for social justice in minority and indigenous communities. (Contains 2 figures, 1 table and 3 footnotes.)
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ISSN:1052-0147