Open AccessTrans*-Subjectivity: Exploring Research Positionality in the Field
Author(s) -
Cameron T. Whitley
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
qualitative sociology review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.315
H-Index - 14
ISSN - 1733-8077
DOI - 10.18778/1733-8077.11.4.03
Subject(s) - subjectivity , reflexivity , dialectic , sociology , identity (music) , epistemology , field (mathematics) , gender studies , participatory action research , feminism , empirical research , social science , aesthetics , anthropology , philosophy , mathematics , pure mathematics
The focus on trans*1 individuals as researcher subjects often problematizes trans* identity, limiting the possibility for trans* individuals to create and co-create bodies of knowledge. Drawing on three years of participatory research in the animal production industry, I discuss the implications of my subjectivity as a trans* man in this particular setting and in my research more broadly. Beyond being a self-reflexive exercise, this study seeks to make a number of theoretical and empirical contributions. First, feminist literature discussing one’s subjectivity has largely focused on the dialectical existence between men and women, with little room for trans* or gender diverse perspectives. Further, studies that have acknowledged trans* identity have done so in relation to trans* persons as research subjects, with no recognition of their positionality or the possibility of the trans* researcher. This study seeks to change these paradigms by extending current feminist research frameworks on subjectivity to include greater gender diversity.