Positionality
Abigail Alexis-Olubuyide
Headteacher - Speaker - Author - EdD Organisational Leadership (ongoing) - NPQH - MA Educational Leadership and Management - PGCE Primary Education - BSc Psychology - NLP/Coaching/Counselling Certified
Today, we are talking about positionality.
As I prepare to write my dissertation for my doctorate, I am required to think critically about my research methods, data instruments, data organisation, and, of course, my data analysis process. One of the approaches I will be using is the qualitative research method. This differs from quantitative research as it allows me to collect rich, detailed data, enabling me to explore and deconstruct complex phenomena. Qualitative research helps me understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind certain phenomena, which I hope will allow me to draw meaning and gain deep insights into my area of interest. Stay with me; my point will become clear shortly.
In order to be a trustworthy researcher, with a research project that is credible, I must consider my positionality and acknowledge how my identity and background may influence the research process. This includes my potential impact on participants and how I interpret the data being collected. By reflecting on my positionality, I am challenged to examine my conscious and subconscious biases, my assumptions, and any preconceived ideas I may hold. Through this intentional process of reflection and self-awareness, I become more transparent to myself and to others. This reflexivity strengthens the ethical rigour and trustworthiness of my study and is essential for ensuring that my research is credible, transferable, dependable, and confirmable (Shenton, 2004). Now, how does this apply to you?
If we are to see long-lasting change, the position and stance you take on issues that matter are crucial. Positionality calls on you to be reflective about your multiple identities and the privileges you may benefit from. If you fail to recognise your privilege, it becomes easy to perpetuate inequalities. Inaction perpetuates inequalities. Silence perpetuates inequalities. I recently learned something new about oppression and how it manifests in the lives of marginalised groups. Oppression occurs when prejudice is combined with power, becoming institutionalised and systemic. This form of oppression excludes, puts down, and degrades groups of people, often because an aspect of their identity does not align with socially accepted norms. Through an awareness of positionality, you can recognise different forms of systemic and institutionalised oppression around you and take steps to dismantle them within your sphere of influence. Notice that I said ‘within your sphere of influence.’
领英推荐
Changing the world is not about literally transforming the entire world. It begins with changing yourself—your thinking, your words, and your actions. Once you evolve internally, you can influence those around you in positive and powerful ways. The more of us who engage in this internal work, the greater our collective ability to influence meaningful change, which, over time, will shape the world around us. Positionality urges you to find where you stand in a world of power imbalances, where marginalised voices are often silenced, and inequalities are continually perpetuated. It calls on you to make a conscious decision to stand on the right side of humanity, not just for today but every day moving forward. Like me, on my research journey, I strive to be ethical, trustworthy, and credible. Who do you choose to be on your journey through life?
?
Shenton, A. K. (2004). Strategies for ensuring trustworthiness in qualitative research. Education for Information, 22(63-75).
I help people become Principals.
5 个月Abigail, as you know at Leading Your International School our entire Mission is to 'Level up international school leadership'. To do this, we need to gather continued research, which isn't easy, takes a huge amount of time to perepare, persuade people to take part in and then to collect and analyse it. I hope you and the leadership community can join us in taking part in our annual leadership survey of international school leaders, here: https://uk.mikecrm.com/CyBXehK Looking forward to catching up with you soon.
NPQH/Curriculum Coordinator in Primary at Azerbaijan British College/Education Leadership
5 个月The statistics are a powerful reminder of how deeply entrenched systemic inequalities are in our society, particularly for women of color. It’s critical that we all reflect on our own positionality and the roles we can play in dismantling these disparities. I appreciate the call to action, and I hope more of us embrace the responsibility to push for real change, both in our workplaces and in the broader societal structures. Change begins with awareness, but it must be followed by meaningful action.
Challenging the Status Quo in Education I Head of Year 6 at The British International School Shanghai, Puxi I Passionate & Progressive Educator I Lifelong Learner I The Odds Beater
5 个月Thank you for a great read. Self-reflection is crucial, as it’s easy to point fingers and find fault in others. Real change starts with ourselves. This is one of the reasons I am on my school’s EDIB committee. We need reminders and a sense of community. I agree that understanding positionality is important because we must know ourselves and what matters to us. However, a call to action is equally vital once we decide to challenge the status quo and fight systemic oppression. In my experience, a person of color is often the EDIB ambassador or champion; yet PoCs did not create the systems of oppression they are asked to address when put in charge. All of us need to be part of a proactive community that ensures marginalised voices are not only heard but also acted upon.