What is it about?
This chapter explores how researchers navigate their identity when studying sensitive topics like honour crimes. It reflects on the author's dual role as both insider and outsider in Pakistan and the UK, and how this affects trust, ethics, access, and data in transnational fieldwork. It examines the methodological implications of insider-outsider dynamics, including access to participants, data interpretation, and the impact on participants in the context of researching a politically charged and highly sensitive topic.
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Why is it important?
Understanding positionality is vital for ethical and credible research, especially on sensitive issues like honour-based violence. This chapter offers practical insights into how researchers can reflect on their identity, manage power dynamics, and build trust to ensure respectful and accurate representation of participants. It contributes to more culturally aware and ethically sound global research practices.
Perspectives
Sadiq Bhanbhro (the author) shares a deeply reflective account of his journey as a British Pakistani researching honour crimes in both Pakistan and the UK. He describes the emotional and ethical challenges of being seen as both an insider and outsider—sometimes trusted, sometimes viewed with suspicion. His positionality shifted depending on language, ethnicity, gender, and perceived affiliations. He used reflexivity, local dress, language, and gatekeeper support to build rapport and navigate complex field dynamics. His experience underscores the importance of humility, adaptability, and critical self-awareness in conducting meaningful and respectful research.
Dr Sadiq Bhanbhro
Sheffield Hallam University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Navigating Positionality in Transnational Research, June 2025, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.4324/9781003404903-45.
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