3.5 Reflexivity and positionality in ethnomusicological research

Reflexivity in ethnomusicology involves constant self-examination of a researcher's biases and influence. It's about being aware of how your background shapes your work, enhancing credibility and promoting ethical practices through transparency.

Power dynamics play a big role in research relationships. Researchers must navigate imbalances, protect participants' rights, and involve them in the process. Ethical representation means avoiding stereotypes, including multiple voices, and respecting cultural ownership.

Understanding Reflexivity in Ethnomusicological Research

Reflexivity in ethnomusicological research

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• Reflexivity concept involves self-awareness and critical self-examination in research process
• Continuous reflection on researcher's position, biases, and influence shapes data collection and analysis
• Enhances research validity and credibility by acknowledging researcher's role in shaping interpretations
• Promotes ethical research practices through transparent acknowledgment of researcher's perspective
• Personal reflexivity examines values, experiences, and beliefs that impact research approach
• Epistemological reflexivity questions research assumptions and methodologies used in study design

Cultural self-awareness for researchers

• Cultural background assessment identifies personal norms, values, and practices shaping perceptions
• Bias identification uncovers implicit biases related to music, culture, and social structures
• Assumption examination questions beliefs about music and culture, evaluating impact on research
• Reflexive journal documents ongoing self-reflection throughout research process
• Peer discussions and feedback sessions challenge personal viewpoints and assumptions
• Seeking diverse perspectives broadens understanding and challenges preconceptions

Power Dynamics and Representation in Ethnomusicological Research

Power dynamics in research relationships

• Researcher-participant relationships recognize inherent power imbalances in research settings
• Institutional affiliation and status of researcher impact interactions with participants
• Cultural and linguistic power dynamics navigate language barriers and communication norms
• Informed consent and voluntary participation protect participants' rights and well-being
• Participatory research methods involve participants in research design and data analysis
• Co-creation of knowledge with research participants balances power in knowledge production

Strategies for ethical representation

• Avoid essentialization and stereotyping of musical cultures in ethnographic writing
• Incorporate multiple voices and perspectives in research narratives for balanced representation
• Acknowledge limitations of researcher's knowledge and experience in written work
• Share authorship or credit with research participants when appropriate to recognize contributions
• Use first-person narrative to highlight researcher's positionality and perspective
• Incorporate reflexive statements throughout text to maintain transparency
• Respect cultural ownership and intellectual property rights of musical practices studied
• Address issues of appropriation and misrepresentation in research outputs
• Share research findings with participants for validation and feedback incorporation