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.
