Level 2: Identify your Positionality

What is your positionality? 

Try writing a positionality statement.

A positionality statement is a declaration of your personal and subjective position or standpoint on a particular issue or topic. It is commonly used in academic and research contexts to acknowledge and make transparent the biases, perspectives, and experiences that may influence your work. Writing a positionality statement involves reflecting on your own background, beliefs, and experiences and how they may impact your research or analysis. Here are the steps to write a positionality statement:

Self-Reflection:

Begin by reflecting on your personal background, identity, and experiences. Consider factors such as your race, gender, sexual orientation, social class, nationality, religion, and any other aspects that might be relevant to the topic you are addressing. Also, think about your personal beliefs, values, and experiences that may influence your perspective on the issue.

Identify Your Biases:

Acknowledge any biases, assumptions, or preconceptions you may hold. Reflect on how your personal background and experiences might shape these biases. Be honest with yourself about any potential blind spots or limitations in your viewpoint.

You can take this implicit bias test to get your thinking and learning more;

https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html

Consider Your Research and/or Teaching:

Think about how your positionality might impact your research, analysis, or teaching. How might your perspective influence the questions you ask, the data you collect, or the conclusions you draw? Consider whether your positionality might lead to the privileging or marginalization of certain voices or viewpoints in your work and/or teaching. Consider your theoretical or training lens and how that has impacted what you might uplift in your work or what you might overlook, and why.

Write Your Statement:

Your positionality statement should be a clear and concise declaration of your social positionality and its potential influence on your work. Here’s a general template you can follow:

• Begin with a brief introduction that includes your name and the purpose of the statement.
• Describe your background, identity, and relevant personal experiences.
• Identify any biases or perspectives you may hold regarding the topic.
• Explain how your positionality might impact your research, analysis, or work.
• Acknowledge your commitment to being aware of and transparent about your positionality.
• Revise and Refine:
• After writing your initial statement, review and revise it to ensure clarity and conciseness. Consider seeking feedback from colleagues, mentors, or advisors to ensure that your statement effectively communicates your positionality.

Include in Your Work:

Depending on the context, you may need to include your positionality statement in research papers, academic articles, presentations, or other written or oral presentations of your work. Be sure to follow any specific guidelines or requirements provided by the institution or journal.

Update as Necessary:

Recognize that your positionality may evolve over time. It’s important to periodically revisit and update your positionality statement as your perspectives and experiences change.

Remember that the goal of a positionality statement is to enhance transparency and promote critical reflection in your work. It helps readers or colleagues understand the context from which you approach a particular topic or issue. It isn’t an indictment on a person, or an invitation to judge someone. It provides clarity on perspective. 

The below resources provides further guidelines on writing positionality statements, and some examples.

A Note on Reflexivity and Positionality