Researching Dalits and health care: Considering positionality

Abstract

This methods paper explores the issue of the researcher’s positionality and its potential impact on the overall qualitative research process.  After defining positionality this paper outlines its potential influences on the research process and findings.  In order to illustrate the concept of positionality in a real-world example a case study approach is used based on the first author’s PhD research among Dalits in Nepal.  The paper finishes by outlining some of the ways of addressing the issues arising from positionality of the researcher.