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Cited by 465Qualitative Research Methods and EthicsQualitative Research Methods and ApplicationsQualitative research in health

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Conceptualizing from the Inside: Advantages, Complications, and Demands on Insider Positionality

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Chavez, Christina·2015·The Qualitative Report
DOI 10.46743/2160-3715/2008.1589
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Abstract

The debate on insider/outsider positionality has raised issues about the methodological advantages and liabilities between the two, yet no clear account exists for what insider scholars can expect when they enter the field. First, I conceptualize how insider positionality can dually benefit and disadvantage the insider. Using a partial review of insider studies, including my study of my multigenerational Mexican American family, I also present a practical discussion on specific insider advantages and complications. In conclusion, I present a new approach to training novice insider scholars that will help them mediate between insider perspective and researcher position, an approach that promises greater rigor to insider research that will serve the goals of qualitative research for social justice in minority and indigenous communities.

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Figure 2 Conceptualization of insiderness based on multiple shifting identities through time.
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Research works printed but not linked: 37

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Metadata

Authors
Chavez, C.
Affiliations
California Polytechnic State University (US)
Corresponding author
Chavez, Christina
Venue
The Qualitative Report
Publisher
Nova Southeastern University
Published
2015-01-14
ISSN
  • 1052-0147 (ISSN-L)
  • 2160-3715
DOI
10.46743/2160-3715/2008.1589
OpenAlex
W95162308
Cited by
465
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 19 · 2025: 44 · 2024: 21 · 2023: 50 · 2022: 38 · 2021: 48 · 2020: 40 · 2019: 33 · 2018: 34 · 2017: 24 · 2016: 23 · 2015: 27
FWCI
119.43
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nc-sa
Locations
  • The Qualitative Report (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
  • NSUWorks (Nova Southeastern University) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Qualitative Research Methods and Applications
  • Social Sciences › Education › Qualitative research in health
Keywords
insider research, insider-outsider positionality, emic perspective, researcher position, social justice research, qualitative research rigor

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