Positioning Positionality and Reflecting on Reflexivity

Moving From Performance to Practice

Bibliographic Data

ID4644041
AuthorsKaitlin R Sibbald (0000-0003-4760-8091, Dalhousie University, corresponding author), Shanon K Phelan (0000-0003-2844-6250, Dalhousie University), Brenda L Beagan (0000-0003-2533-2987, Dalhousie University), T White (0000-0002-7989-2106, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada), Tara M Pride
Year2025
Pages10497323241309230-10497323241309230
Publication date2025-03-28
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/10497323241309230
PMID40152812
OpenAlexW4408957070
LanguageEN
Citations received15
References cited32

Researcher reflexivity and acknowledgement of positionality are emerging as key concepts for evaluating the quality of qualitative research. Collectively, we explore the relationship between reflexivity and positionality statements as reflexive practice, considering who benefits, who has authority, and our expectations of each other as qualitative researchers. Moving between examples of doing reflexivity in practice and what is often requested of authors during the peer review and editorial processes, we challenge the idea that positionality statements in the form of identity disclosures ought to be taken as the token performance of reflexive work, despite their frequent use as such. We begin by outlining the role and purpose of reflexivity in qualitative research and follow by examining the turn toward identity disclosure as fulfilling this purpose. Following, we examine the ways in which a "shopping list" positionality statement can create disproportionate risk, reinforce stereotypes, and homogenize researchers identifying with marginalized groups, without necessarily benefiting the research process or how research is communicated. In addition, we present alternative ways of doing and communicating reflexivity in qualitative research that, although not without their own challenges, allow reflexivity to take up the space it deserves during the research process and dissemination

Acknowledgement · Aesthetics · Epistemology · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Reflexivity · Social science · Sociology · Computer Science · Data Analysis and Archiving · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics