Three participatory geographers

Reflections on Positionality and Working With Participants in Researching Religions, Spiritualities, and Faith

Bibliographic Data

ID3977707
AuthorsStephanie Denning (0000-0002-1636-6539, Coventry University, corresponding author), Richard Scriven (0000-0002-4022-1655, University College Cork), R Slatter (0000-0001-5590-1410, University of Hull)
Year2022
Volume23
Issue6
Pages892-910
Publication date2022-07-24
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial & Cultural Geography (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1464-9365 • E-ISSN: 1470-1197
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14649365.2020.1815826
OpenAlexW3046851032
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited39

This paper advances the geographies of religion, spirituality and faith’s limited attention to positionality by discussing the critical issues raised when using participatory approaches. Reflecting on three cases of participatory research, we foreground the dynamics of being a researcher with faith when working with participants from faith communities. Advocating participatory approaches as valuable methodologies that should be used more extensively to explore beliefs, faith practices, and social justice, we argue that greater attention needs to be given to the positionality of researchers undertaking this sort of research. Our cases raise three themes for discussion. First, the variety of ways in which faith positionalities influence how research is developed, conducted and concluded. Second, the intersections between our faith and other positionalities and how they shape our roles and relationships with research participants. Third, the fluid and multifaceted nature of faith positionalities and how they are changed, emphasized, and softened through the dynamics and entanglements of fieldwork. In doing so, we reflect on the complexities of being a researcher with faith, argue that faith positionality is a helpful dimension of their research rather than a limitation, and that all cultural, social and historical geographical researchers should reflect on their faith positionality

Citizen journalism · Diversity (politics · Epistemology · Faith · Participatory action research · Political science · Sociology · Spiritualities · Spirituality · Anthropological Studies and Insights · Anthropology · Gender Studies · Law · Religion, Society, and Development · Religious Tourism and Spaces