Care and Migration: A Reflexive Account of a Researcher with a Migration Background

Abstract

The importance of a researcher’s positionality has been well documented in prior studies. Yet, reflections on cross-cultural research from the positionality of a researcher with a migration background are rare. In this paper, I respond to this knowledge gap through a reflexive account of my positionality as a researcher with a migration background who has conducted cross-cultural research concerning dementia care. Following critiques of “ethnic matching,” I apply a reflexive approach in which researcher positionality is understood as intersectional. I illustrate how both commonalities and differences within the researcher-researched relationship impact rapport-building and power dynamics. Also, I highlight how a researcher’s experienced emotions can impact the content and analysis of the collected data. The insights from my reflexive account may help improve research strategies in culturally diverse settings. Moreover, I argue for a reflexive approach – rather than a deployment of “ethnic matching” – throughout future research in this field.