Standing in the middle: Insider/outsider positionality while conducting qualitative research with opposing military veteran political groups

David Flores

doi:10.4135/9781526437181

Treesearch

Standing in the middle: Insider/outsider positionality while conducting qualitative research with opposing military veteran political groups

Formally Refereed

Authors:

David Flores

Year:

2018

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4135/9781526437181

Source:

SAGE Research Methods Cases Part 2. doi: 10.4135/9781526437181.

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Abstract

This case study describes the process and challenges of conducting qualitative research on two opposing military veteran political groups: Iraq Veterans Against the War and Vets for Freedom. The discussion is based on a dissertation project that compelled me to reflect on my simultaneous "insider" status as a military veteran and "outsider" status as a non-member of both veteran political groups. I describe negotiating my positionality throughout the research cycle, as I also shifted from trying to be "objective" to embracing the fluidity of my own identity and political views.

Keywords

positionally, qualitative research

Citation

Flores, David. 2018. Standing in the middle: Insider/outsider positionality while conducting qualitative research with opposing military veteran political groups. SAGE Research Methods Cases Part 2. doi: 10.4135/9781526437181.