Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-2009
Volume
12
Journal
International Journal of Social Research Methodology
Issue
2
First Page
117
Last Page
126
URL with Digital Object Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13645570902727698
Abstract
In response to the theories of empowerment and social justice, research involving Indigenous peoples often demands participatory and collaborative methodologies. Consequently, researchers need to engage with reflexive evaluation of collective and negotiated design, data collection and data analysis to consider inter-personal and collective dynamics during the research process. What this means for those attempting counter-colonial research is that we cannot rely on a singular application of reflexivity to situate knowledge. Additional political and relational layers of reflexivity are essential to critically evaluate empowerment and participation by working ‘the spaces between’ through reflection about collaboration. By exploring ‘relationality’ as a methodology, this paper discusses three layers of reflexivity (self-reflexivity, inter-personal reflexivity and collective reflexivity). This reflexive work entails resisting essentialist positions while also recognising difference within a collective. The result is the ability to see that the Self-Other hyphen both connects and distinguishes between us, in processes of collaborative counter-colonial research.
