My Positionality

Positionality is a context-specific, complex hybrid of an individual’s identity and experience (Strimel et al., 2023). As a result of these variables, each person's positionality is unique (Holmes, 2020). Being aware of one’s positionality is essential as it influences how one views and interprets the world. This is especially important in research. Researchers must be critically reflexive of their positionality to mitigate the risk of making false or incorrect assumptions regarding the studied topic (Holmes, 2020). See figure 1.

Figure 1.

Note: From "Identity, Positionality and Reflexivity: Relevance and Application to Research Paramedics," by C. Wilson, G. Janes, and J. Williams, 2022, British paramedic journal, 7(2), 43–49 (https://doi.org/10.29045/14784726.2022.09.7.2.43)

Positionality statements are often expressed in qualitative research at the master level and beyond (Holmes, 2020). It is suggested that a researcher's positionality statement include the following: the lens in which they view the research process, personal influences on research, their predetermined view of the participants being studied, and how the context of the research may influence the findings (Savin-Baden & Major, 2013, as cited in Homles, 2020). This includes (but is not limited to) concepts such as philosophical and personal beliefs, age, class, race, ethnicity, education, job experience, and whether the researcher is an insider or outsider to the participants.

When examining my positionality, I position myself as a white settler. My heritage includes German and Polish ancestry on my maternal side, while my paternal lineage includes English, Irish, and Indigenous ancestry. Although my background includes various cultures, I do not engage in any particular cultural practices. It might be contradicted that I identify as a white settler with such a polarizing background. My maternal grandmother was a residential school survivor from Saskatchewan. I do not know much about her experience as she did not openly speak of her time in residential school, and she died when I was a child before having the chance to ask her.

Briefly, I will review a few more factors relating to my social positionality. I am a woman and a mother. Consequently, I support women’s political and bodily rights. I strongly value traditional Western education: I am the first in my immediate family to obtain a baccalaureate degree and will soon acquire a master’s degree. I do not identify with a specific religion, but I have, at times, identified as spiritual. I am heterosexual. I am not married but have been committed to my partner, with whom I have shared a life for the past 13 years. I am able-bodied, but I do live with a chronic disease. My financial status allows me to live comfortably now, but that was not always the circumstance.

While reviewing my position, I can visualize areas where bias exists. In addition to my own experiences, I am influenced by the experiences of my social circle. Their experiences and identities assist in my understanding of the world beyond my own and, consequently, aid in lightening my bias. Through this acknowledgement and reflection, I can appreciate the experience of others while also recognizing the power imbalances that exist as a consequence of our social positions.

References 

Holmes, A. G. D. (2020). Researcher positionality—A consideration of its influence and place in qualitative research—A new researcher guide. Shanlax International Journal of Education, 8(4), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.34293/education.v8i4.3232

Savin-Baden, M., & Major, C. H. (2013). Qualitative research: The essential guide to theory and practice (1st ed.). Routledge.  

Strimel, M. M., Francis, G. L., & Duke, J. M. (2023). “Understanding where you’re coming from”: Positionality and higher education disability resources. New Directions for Higher Education, 2023(201-202), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.1002/he.20473 

Wilson, C., Janes, G., & Williams, J. (2022). Identity, positionality and reflexivity: relevance and application to research paramedics. British Paramedic Journal, 7(2), 43–49. https://doi.org/10.29045/14784726.2022.09.7.2.43