Beyond the Lens: How Our Identities Drive Qualitative Inquiry
Navigating the internal and external impact of identity to enhance academic rigor.
“The person who has practiced philosophy as a cure for the self becomes great of soul, filled with confidence, invincible - and greater as you draw near.”
- Seneca, Moral Letters, 111.2
ATTN qualitative Inquisitor,
Welcome back to the newsletter about all things qualitative!
Well, folks, we are in the final stretch of the year. Are you ready?
I want to first express my sincere regret to my subscribers for the delay in sharing this newsletter edition. I hope to make it up to you in 2025!
I planned to send this issue much earlier, especially before the 2024 U.S. Election, but I surrendered to life’s distractions and demands, which included meeting some deadlines in the academic job market among other writing projects. Additionally, this topic felt quite personal to me, and it required some further reflection, considering personal and collective events, especially this year.
However, I wanted to be sure I get this issue out before the clock hits 12! And still, it won’t meet the mark that I envisioned for this issue. But I am happy to be back here after a long hiatus and I look forward to continuing this journey with you in the new year!
This year was quite a year, right! A “Year of Elections” they called it, around the globe. From Imran Khan’s unprecedented independent “win” from a jail cell, to Donald Trump’s victory and comeback, …Wow… what a year!
In addition to the U.S. Election, this year marked one year since the escalation of conflict, genocide, and war in the Middle East, now going on 15 months. We end the year with the fall of the Assad Regime, and mark over one year of international solidarity for the indigenous people of Palestine.
The ongoing turmoil worldwide provides us an opportunity to explore how our identities influence our work through both global events and interconnected individual experiences.
So, in this edition, I’d just like to begin reflecting on an increasingly important and relevant topic: Identity.
I hope to carry a discussion of this into the first several weeks of the New Year.
All the topics I have covered thus far are intertwined at a personal and collective level, and ultimately connect to this notion of identity. For example, In our last edition, we discussed reflexivity and positionality in research and the importance of self-awareness in our research process.
Holistically exploring the concept of identity feels timely, as we consider what influences our perspectives—personally and professionally and how we relate to our worlds.
In the case of American politics, with every election, we have witnessed the increasing divisions across America and how identity politics influence our voting behaviors, positions, civic engagement, and overall involvement in the political process. Our political opinions, perspectives, and worldviews hence, are very much connected to our intersectional identities.
I hope this begins to explore just how identity not only affects our work and research but also intersects with broader societal dynamics, especially in a climate as charged in this “Year of Elections,” and other future dynamics and changes to emerge with a new President in office. And at the start of the new year, I look forward to diving more into the role that identity plays in the research process.
Identity as a Lens in Qualitative Inquiry
Our identities—whether rooted in race, gender, culture, or personal experiences—are not separate from our work; they actively influence the decisions we make, the questions we ask, the data we notice in our large data corpus, and even how we interpret findings.
Recognizing this lens doesn’t necessarily elevate concerns for researcher bias. It enhances both the depth and the authenticity of our research. For qualitative researchers, identity is as fundamental as the methods we employ. It may be one of the most critical factors guiding the entire research process: beginning, middle, and end of our research projects.
Hence, in our research ventures, our identity permeates each step of the process: defining questions, engaging with subjects, analyzing data, and interpreting results.
What drew me to qualitative research was in part my own relationship to the world, and the stories that could emerge from it, but I soon realized as I was more engaged with the research - the field sites, the field interviews especially - how much our identities do impact our work, experiences, and perspectives, as well as some of the choices that we make on what we study, and how we study it. I hope to share some examples when I explore fieldwork in the near future.
I see this unfold in many ways both in my research and my academic and professional and personal endeavors. Much of this requires thinking beyond yourself, but a great deal involves reflexivity as discussed in the previous issue, and great introspection about your identity. This consciousness can fuel important considerations in our work.
Intersectional Considerations in Research
Our identities are not single-dimensional. They intersect and overlap in ways that influence the way we approach our research. Understanding these intersections allows us to approach our work with greater nuance and reflexivity. Having multiple intersecting identities myself, I hope to discuss more about this topic of “Intersectionality” and how that impacts our research processes in future editions.
Reflexivity as an Ongoing Practice
As noted in the last edition, reflecting on identity isn't a one-time exercise, it must be embraced as a continuous process.
Through journaling, critical reflection, and self-assessments, we enhance that muscle for the necessary self-awareness, and can better understand how our identities interact with the research process and the spaces we navigate.
Reflection Prompts for the Qualitative Inquisitor
Consider these prompts to help you think about how identity shapes your own life, research, and work for greater intentional integration. I hope to dive more into the questions concerning authenticity in a future reflection posts
. Incorporate these prompts in your daily journaling and reflexivity:
How does your identity (e.g., race, gender, culture, class) influence the way you approach your research?
How do you balance maintaining authenticity in your identity while navigating spaces where it may not be fully accepted or understood?
Have there been moments when you've adjusted your behavior or presentation of self to 'fit in'? What was the outcome of that experience?
How does your identity shape the questions you ask and the way you interpret data in your research or work? How does this enhance or limit your perspective?
What does it mean for you to 'bring your whole self' to your research? Is there a part of your identity you’ve struggled to embrace in the research process?
“The life which is unexamined is not worth living.” - Socrates
I do love reflection prompts! These are perfect for thinking about the lessons of the past year and going forward. I hope to share a few reflection prompts at the end of each monthly edition going forward. I discussed the importance of reflexivity in our research process in the last edition. It is crucial to take time to reflect. And what better time to reflect than now as we close off the year!
As we continue to journey of introspection, we will take a closer look at understanding identities in our research processes (our own and our research informants and collaborators).
Identity and Mental Health
I’d like to talk briefly about mental health as we close the year. As I shared in a previous newsletter edition, I must consider it a milestone and a primary accomplishment to have survived through my challenges into the 4th Decade of my life this year as I share in this Medium Post.
Mental health is a critical identity intersection that does not discriminate across geographies and other boundaries. I wanted to mention mental health before the end of the year, because September was Suicide Prevention Month. I intended to share insights about Suicide Prevention that month.
For Suicide Prevention Month, I wrote a piece on Medium and Linkedin about my suicide prevention efforts and some of my brief current reflections on this topic.
This past October 19th marked my 10th year participating in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Community Walk for Suicide Prevention in Washington, DC. Another big milestone moment for me, especially after entering the 4th decade of my life.
You can read more about my journey with Suicide Prevention in the link to my AFSP fundraiser here.
I have overall been able to raise close to $3000 from my AFSP fundraisers during the DC Walk and Facebook Fundraisers over the years. It may not seem like much, but I aim to continue supporting suicide prevention efforts in any way I can.
I hope that beyond awareness campaigns, we continue to take the time to understand the critical connection between our mental health and identity intersections and implement the necessary interventions in our workplaces and academic institutions.
Identity intersects with mental health, as our sense of belonging (or lack thereof) influences both personal and professional spheres. I have reflected on how these issues are critical to inclusivity in academia, DEI efforts, and our work as qualitative researchers.
In connection to my last issue on Reflexivity, I took the past several months to reflect on all things Mental Health, my efforts over the years and my approach in combating stigma in various spaces in both my personal and professional life.
With over 10 years of advocacy, while my understanding about mental health and suicide prevention has evolved over time, especially as it relates to our Identity, I have seen a stronger connection of mental health to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in academia and the workplace. And it will continue to be a huge part of my identity, as a scholar and practitioner going forward. I hope to continue the conversations going forward.
I also just want to say, that four to five years after the Global Covid-19 Pandemic, it is okay if you are still struggling with the aftermath of isolation and disruption and still trying to piece together your life.
Just as our identities impact how we approach our work and relationships, they also influence how we process collective trauma and navigate healing. There’s no universal timeline for recovery, and the ways we make sense of our experiences are truly personal. Permit yourself to honor where you are in your journey; your struggles and your resilience are all valid.
Flash Points: Weekly Reflections
In the last edition, I talked about starting newsletters more frequently. Going into the new year, I’ll be sharing shorter, weekly reflections called Flashpoints of View (Flash POVs). Each will offer a quick take on the topics related to our monthly theme, exploring issues in bite-sized reflections, to help build momentum for the new year.
I hope to continue to explore how our identities—relevant to nationality, ethnicity, gender, or even professional status—can both improve or challenge our journey in The Qualitative Inquisition.
Looking Forward
In our next edition (the first Flash POV to piggyback this edition), we’ll discuss the role of emotions and emotional reflexivity in qualitative research, which is another crucial element that impacts our work and our interpretation of the diverse stories we engage with.
I hope to continue building momentum in The Qualitative Inquisition, exploring identity with further thoughts about authenticity, belonging, diversity, and inclusion at the start of this new year in Flash POVs as well.
Join The Qualitative Inquisition!
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the heart of identity in qualitative research. As I noted earlier, this was just a brief exploration of identity in qualitative research. I hope to continue this discussion more closely in qualitative methods in future editions.
If you have feedback on this or previous editions, I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback will help improve this newsletter and make it a more meaningful, inclusive, and supportive space for us all.
From this edition, I hope you can sense my passion for qualitative methods, and my passion to connect with other researchers, academics, practitioners, and scholars to (re)build our sense of community around all this “qualitative.”
2024 was the year I started this newsletter, and I am proud of the vision I have for it. At the beginning of this year, I also shared a Medium article about how I aspire to rebuild community in 2024.
I remain hopeful and committed to the goal of building community, offering my support and services around the various hats I wear, including the hat of a qualitative Inquisitor!
I am still re-building and reconceptualizing how I want to take this newsletter forward into the new year and I’d love to hear from you!
Wishing you a very prosperous, successful, blissful new year, in your own “Qualitative Inquisitions.”
Happy New Year!
In Solidarity and Curiosity,
Your fellow qualitative Inquisitor,
Dr. Elsa
TOP NEWS ROUNDUP
Highlights from Fall-Winter 2024
2024 - “The Year of Elections”
U.S. NEWS
REST IN PEACE, President Jimmy Carter - Passed Away at 100
"God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace." - President Jimmy Carter
Chris Hedges’ Important Critique on Jimmy Carter
What Election Officials Learned about Democracy in 2024
Donald Trump Wins the U.S. Election
Bernie Sanders is Right: Democrats have Abandoned the Working Class
How will Trump’s Cabinet Will Impact International Development
DEI Challenges to University Institutions to Resume Under Trump
Healthcare in the News - Shooting of CEO of United HealthCare should be a turning point for healthcare in America
I hope to share with a Medium piece on my candid reflections on the U.S. Election before the Inauguration in January!
On our American Thanksgiving Holiday, I celebrated the day a little differently this year. The National Day of Mourning (NDOM) is honored for the Indigenous People of America and around the world on this day. I shared my observations on the NDOM HERE.
Happy Christmas! Please read my Linkedin post about how I honored Christmas this year. I plan to share a more detailed article about this at the start of the new year.
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WORLD NEWS (Few highlights from Sept - December)
On December 4, 2024, Amnesty International labels Gaza, a Genocide.
Syria’s Assad Regime Ends - Shocking the World
Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar's Death
Worldwide protests against Israel’s genocide in Gaza
Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah killed by Israeli airstrike
Meet the first tenured professor to be fired for pro-Palestine speech
Pakistan D-Day Protests - Free Imran Khan
Marcellus Williams’ execution impact on Palestine solidarity protesters
My thoughts on more than one year of the Gaza Genocide are shared HERE.
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Some Honorable Mentions:
December 10th was International Human Rights Day!
Please read my observations about International Human Rights Day from last year in this Medium article. I hope to share a related piece in a future edition!
This year I learned that November 21st was also World Philosophy Day! I felt it important to mention for the Qi newsletter. Every Third Thursday in November we will celebrate the gift of Philosophy in the world!
On World Children’s Day, I wrote on World Children’s Day, reflecting for the Children of Gaza, HERE.
Iconic British Actress - Maggie Smith Passes
A favorite Maggie Smith from Downton Abbey:
“Why does every day involve a fight with an American?”
Share in the comments if you know the context of that quote!
Dr. Refaat Al Areer’s One-Year Anniversary death. Now an icon, Dr. Refaat’s new book was released on International Human Rights Day this week: “If I Must Die: Poetry and Prose.” I will share a reflection/review in a future post.
Here are some brief reflections on my Linkedin Article with a Painting of the cover of his book.
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These were just a few highlights of the past few months. I look forward to staying updated with you in the future!
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Academic Book Recommendation
Identity: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment, by Francis Fukuyama
Fukuyama wrote this book in the wake of the 2016 Trump Election, reflecting on similar global trends tied to the rise of populism and identity-based politics. Revisiting this book in the light of Trump’s return to office feels especially timely. Fukuyama emphasizes the threat of identity politics to liberal democracies. He calls for a more universal understanding of human dignity, suggesting the need to transcend narrow identity frameworks.
The Message, by Ta-Nehisi Coates
This book chronicles this amazing writer’s 10-day journey through Palestine and Israel, offering critical insights, personal reflections, and historical context. This wasn't just a “love letter” or meditation on writing, it was also a vital reckoning with the interconnected struggles of Black and Palestinian liberation, confronting injustice everywhere. I felt his words immensely while standing in solidarity with the indigenous people of Palestine in the final protest in our nation’s capital for 2024.
Professional Development Book Recommendation
Becoming a Changemaker: An Actionable, Inclusive Guide to Leading Positive Change at Any Level, By Alex Budak
I was introduced to this book in late 2022 and I am still moving through the book grasping its teachings about how to lead from wherever you are in life. Much gratitude to Professor Alex Budak for his contributions on providing actionable steps towards inclusive leadership and beyond yourself. Please check out his Beyond Yourself Substack as well!
"You don’t need permission to lead. Changemakers lead from wherever they are, with whatever they have, and whoever they’re with." - Alex Budak
We’ve Got This: Unlocking The Beauty of Belonging, by Ritu Bhasin
The journey for “Belonging” and “Authenticity” is not an easy one for many of us, especially in societies and systems that are not designed with certain people/identity factors in mind. Ritu Bhasin provides a beautiful exploration of her journey of healing from past traumas and on the pursuit of genuine belonging and gives us all hope that we too can find our place in this world. I hope to reference some of her insights in my own work on Belonging and DEI as well as a future Qi edition on Belonging in the new year.
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I hope to continue updating my Resources section of this Newsletter!
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TRIVIA
Which 1999 sci-fi film features a hacker who discovers his entire world is a simulation, which prompts him to question the nature of his reality and identity?
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Answers from the Previous Edition’s Trivia Question:
Question: What ancient Greek philosopher famously said, "Know thyself," highlighting the importance of self-awareness?
Answer: Socrates
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QUOTE OF THE SEASON
“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” - Albert Einstein