“Getting Personal: Reflexivity, Positionality, and Feminist Research” by Kim England.
Kim England’s article emphasizes that research is not purely objective—it is inherently subjective, and this subjectivity is essential for building trust between the researcher and participants. She highlights the importance of the relationship between the two parties, especially in sensitive or controversial topics. I think this idea is incredibly relevant because trust is a cornerstone of ethical and effective research.
For example, I once conducted a project on online romance scams, where victims were cheated out of money in fake relationships. This was a very sensitive topic because many participants felt embarrassed or feared being recognized by others. As a result, they were hesitant to share their stories. Building trust in these situations was critical. I had to ensure that my approach was empathetic and nonjudgmental to create a safe space for them to open up.
England also emphasizes the importance of avoiding bias as a researcher. I completely agree. If I had approached the topic with preconceived notions about the participants—perhaps thinking of them as gullible or careless—I would not have been able to conduct the research effectively. Bias not only damages the relationship with participants but also distorts the data and compromises the integrity of the research.
Kim England states that “The researcher is not a neutral machine collecting facts but is an integral part of the research setting.” For instance, in her failed project on Toronto’s lesbian community, she acknowledges how her own identity as a white, heterosexual academic created barriers: “My biography and positionality influenced how participants viewed me and what they shared, ultimately shaping the project’s trajectory.”
