Definition · Plain-language
What is Positionality in Research?
Positionality refers to the stance or positioning of the researcher in relation to the social, political, and cultural context of their study. It recognises that a researcher's unique identity—including gender, race, class, and personal beliefs—influences every stage of the research process, from design to data interpretation.
The step most authors miss
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The Core Dimensions of Positionality
Positionality is multi-dimensional and includes both fixed, demographic traits and fluid, subjective beliefs. Demographics include race, gender, socio-economic status, nationality, and language. Subjective aspects encompass a researcher's personal values, political affiliations, philosophical beliefs, and theoretical commitments. Together, these aspects form a unique lens through which the researcher views the world, shapes their research queries, and interprets human experiences.
Insider vs. Outsider Status in Fieldwork
A key aspect of positionality is the researcher's relationship with their study participants, often framed as 'insider' or 'outsider' status. An insider shares a common identity, language, or culture with the group being studied, which can build trust and access but may also lead to assumptions of shared understanding. An outsider does not share these commonalities, which can provide an analytical distance but might make establishing trust and interpreting cultural nuances more challenging. Often, a researcher moves dynamically between these roles depending on the context.
How to Draft a Positionality Statement
Drafting a positionality statement requires honest self-reflection. Researchers should write a concise statement (usually one to two paragraphs) for their methodology section. This statement should not simply list demographic details, but must critically explain how those details directly influenced the research. For example, a researcher might discuss how their background as a former teacher helped them gain rapport with study participants, but also how they active guarded against bias during the analysis of educational data.
Key facts
At a glance
- Positionality acknowledges that research is subjective and influenced by the researcher's social identity.
- It is particularly prominent in qualitative methodologies, feminist theory, and postcolonial research.
- Writing a positionality statement increases the trustworthiness and rigour of qualitative research.
- It requires ongoing self-reflection (reflexivity) throughout the entire lifecycle of a project.
- A researcher can occupy multiple, shifting positions (both insider and outsider) depending on the context of the study.
Common misconceptions
What people often get wrong
Often heard: Positionality means that qualitative research is biased and unscientific.
Actually: Acknowledging positionality does not invalidate research; rather, it enhances validity by being transparent about the subjective factors that shape the study.
Often heard: A positionality statement is just an autobiographical paragraph.
Actually: It must be analytical, connecting specific personal attributes directly to how they influenced the research design, data collection, or analysis.
Often heard: Only researchers from marginalised groups need to declare their positionality.
Actually: All researchers have positionality. Scholars from dominant or privileged groups must also reflect on how their status affects their perspective and interactions.
