Researcher’s Reflexivity in a Study of Gender and Vulnerable Children in Eswatini Schools

Abstract

Qualitative researchers come into the research field embodied with all their background experiences and interpretations of the phenomenon they are studying. These all have a bearing on the study undertaken. Reflexivity therefore becomes imperative, not only in the knowledge and data generating process, analysis, and interpretation but also in legitimizing qualitative studies. This paper explores the significance of reflexivity as a critical and crucial strategy in qualitative studies. I do this by unpacking the partial, positioned, and effective perspectives that I brought into research that sought to explore vulnerable children’s gender constructions in three (3) rural schools in Eswatini. In this paper, I discuss my interactions with the participants – as a connected knower, as well as the emotionally charged interview spaces which might have indeed influenced data generation as well as analysis. I also detail how data generation was not only an emotionally arduous process but, reflecting on the research findings gave me space to think about my preconceived views, which led to the critique and analysis of my own beliefs, views and perceptions on vulnerability and gender. At the same time detailing how my position helped me to critically analyse the research findings from a point of reference in ways that enriched the study aimed at enhancing equitable gender experiences for the vulnerable children in these contexts.