Positionality statement on studying male victims of intimate partner abuse in Zimbabwe : a research note

Abstract

Reflecting on one’s positionality as a researcher is a critical element in qualitative studies. While there are various qualitative studies on the meaning of and the way positionality affects qualitative research practice, this research note examines the phenomenon as it applies to the author’s doctoral study. Drawing from a collection of research memoirs, the research note presents the author’s conceptualisation of personal positionality in the study, based on nationality, personal values, work experience, age and gender. The note details the author’s multiple identity shifts throughout the study. Potential challenges and opportunities of knowing one’s positionality together with the effects of positionality on the participants, the researcher as well as the research process are highlighted. It concludes that positionality among qualitative researchers is characterised by fluidity, instability and continued shifts as opposed to it being a constant form of researcher identity.