Vulnerability and Strength in Research

Reflecting upon the power and inequity in research panel seems to stir up ideas about the negotiation of power in the research setting. It appears as though this is a complex issue with many answers, however, no completely right or wrong ones. 

 

One idea I was particularly captured by was brought up in both the panel and the reading. This idea being the more careful handling of the researcher’s sexuality within research situations centred around sexual concepts. Perhaps a certain vulnerability needs to exist in the researcher’s participation. This is something I had not considered before, but after consideration, seems incredibly important. I understand that the incorporation of the researcher’s sexuality and sexual beliefs into research may not necessarily involve an explicit expression of said sexuality, but certainly involves careful consideration of how these concepts might affect the research process. This appears to be extremely important in the conducting of thoroughly reflexive research.

 

Another concept which seemed central to the panel was a message of strength within research. McIntosh brought up the need to keep pushing for important research to be carried out even if said research conflicts with dominant narratives in society. It was also suggested that there is a balance to this, and if your research conflicts with the narrative of those you are researching, you must reconsider your angle.    

 

Although these ideas are very complicated, engaging in a discussion about them has offered more clarity and scope to my mind.    

About The Author

Gabrielle is an undergraduate student completing a Bachelor of Arts majoring in psychology and sociology. After completion of her bachelors, Gabrielle plans to continue tertiary education in the hopes of becoming a clinical psychologist. She is very interested in the ways in which social inequalities manifest themselves in everyday life and media. Further, she is interested in how these manifestations influence peoples beliefs and actions. From the exploration of this in her studies and otherwise, she has found a passionate voice within herself which wishes to critique and better society. Alongside her studies, she is a part-time dance teacher and hopes to weave what she has learned in her job into her education. Dance is an avenue through which many disciplines can be explored, especially psychology in the form of dance therapy. Dance can help children and adults with disabilities, mental health issues, and is generally enjoyable. She believes that extracurricular dance programs can not only provide these health benefits but also have a positive societal impact through their potential role in child care and helping families. Gabrielle also volunteers regularly for the Tourettes Association of New Zealand, having helped out at their camp for children with Tourettes syndrome in 2018. She is very passionate about this subject and wishes to incorporate the study of Tourettes into her future work at university.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *