Qualitative Research Essay Introduction

Introduction

Qualitative research, as a form of inquiry, is applied, mostly, in social sciences. It is a way of getting knowledge, a way to understand behaves, standpoint views, motivations and opinions. Qualitative research aims to contribute to the development of a certain area, commonly, ascertaining specific social needs, and influencing policy makers, through the translation of individual needs, marginalised and vulnerable groups, into collective voices. Qualitative research may be perceived as a journey, a process, that impacts on the researcher and on the participants. To better understand it, I shall provide a brief presentation of qualitative research per se - conducted through the feminist lens. In what follows, I consider the researcher

Qualitative research is a lived experience. It has been underlined, among the literature, that “it is impossible to remain “outside of” one's study topic while conducting research” (Slusz and Soroko, 2002). This way, it is perceived that qualitative research embraces a dimension of introspection from the researcher; as he challenges perspectives and assumptions about the social world and about himself. In line with the literature, different feelings and reactions, among researchers, have been reported. Firstly, a feeling of honour: “Consciousness of the relational and reflective nature of being aware of personal and methodological concerns that we honour ourselves, our teammates/co-researchers and all others involved with the research project” (Pataganas, 2017). However, also frustration has been reported: “there were a number of times during the data collection when I felt I could do nothing but to empathize with the plight of the participants and assure them that the study will definitely serve as a tool for change if utilized accordingly by policy-makers and development implementers” (Slysz and Soroko, 2002). Due to, for instance, hierarchical or gender-based barriers faced, the positions of the researcher, constantly, has to be negotiated as the way to create ethical and fruitful relations, since many times, researchers may find limitations on power. Consequently, during the research process, the

The researcher must be, constantly, aware of how participant values, beliefs, and perceptions are shaping the research process. This type of reflexivity assumes a partnership between the researchers and the research participants as it offers the “opportunity for raising new questions, engaging in new kinds of dialogue, and organizing different kinds of relations” (Hesse-Biber et. al, 2007). This is a “reflexivity of discomfort” since it can disrupt the process of discovery (Pillow, 2003). Reciprocity and reflexivity are critical aspects of feminist research. This “feminist approach” to reflexivity, which pushes the researcher to a feminist experiential standpoint, allows a clearer view of the questions raised. An organised framed view easily allows a practical application of the findings. Specifically, regarding feminist and gender studies, the promotion of gender equality through a focus on culture is essential. The engagement of men, the engagement with traditional and religious leaders and the social and economic empowerment of women’ (Sriver, et. al, 2016) is a privileged way to understand deep rooted issues. A study may use a mixed methods approach applying both qualitative and quantitative methods. While a baseline quantitative survey may be used, in parallel, the qualitative research may include, for