Intersectional Reflexivity and an Uncomfortable Account of Researcher Privilege

Spellman, Cat

Abstract

This paper responds to a dearth of writing on intersectional reflexivity in organisational ethnography and in Management and Organisation studies. Intersectional reflexivity, used as a methodological tool and a theoretical framing for this paper, combines the fundamentals of intersectional feminist theory and reflexive strategy in qualitative research. Although rooted in feminist thought, this approach, whilst inclusive of gendered considerations, also reflects on other identities of both the researcher and researched that have an impact in the field and ultimately on the outputs and conclusions that are drawn. The paper draws on personal experiences of ethnographic research at a UK food bank, exploring the inequalities that culminate here particularly as a researcher occupying multiple relative privileged identities namely class and education. The focus on the notion of intersectional reflexivity as a methodological trope allows the paper to explore inequalities that can be present in the research process, additional to considerations that can be made to minimise them. The key contributions of the papers include the role that discomfort, empowerment, and care play in ethnographic research, particularly amongst marginalised participants, and how reflections on these can lead to more ethical and insightful research.

Citation

Spellman, C. (online). Intersectional Reflexivity and an Uncomfortable Account of Researcher Privilege. Management Learning, https://doi.org/10.1177/13505076241290808

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 25, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Nov 21, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 28, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 21, 2024
• Journal: Management Learning
• Print ISSN: 1350-5076
• Electronic ISSN: 1461-7307
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/13505076241290808
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2990156