'Now that I know what you're about': black feminist reflections on power in the research relationship. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hamilton, Patricia
• Is Part Of: Qualitative research. Volume 20:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 519
• Page End: 533
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Intersectionality -- feminist research -- reflexivity -- black motherhood -- attachment parenting -- power; Qualitative research -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 300.72
• DOI: 10.1177/1468794119891583
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1468-7941

Abstract

Feminists have identified reflexivity as a particularly incisive tool for navigating shifting power dynamics, using it to draw attention to how a researcher's positionality informs every aspect of the research process, from development of the research question to interactions with research participants. In this article, I describe my reflections as a black feminist researcher conducting research with black women. I examine the unexpected ways in which power can manifest during the research process, complicating the theoretical advice offered by institutional ethics board and feminist methodology textbooks. Intersectionality serves as a useful tool to tease out these dilemmas and though it cannot preempt or solve all challenges, it provides reflexive space for exploring such dilemmas and a tool for navigating power in the research process.