"We don't see things as they are, we see things as we are": Questioning the "outsider" in Polish migration research

Botterill, K. (2015) "We don't see things as they are, we see things as we are": Questioning the "outsider" in Polish migration research. Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 16(2), 4. (doi: 10.17169/fqs-16.2.2331)

[img]
Preview
Text
171445.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

164kB

Abstract

This article offers a reflexive account of conducting research on Polish migration to Scotland from the perspective of the "outsider." The contribution argues for a revision to the insider/outsider dichotomy viewing it as inadequately nuanced in relation to the multiple intersectionalities performed through the research encounter. It is based on data collected from biographical-narrative interviews with Polish young people living in Edinburgh, Scotland. The article explores the interview encounter between an English researcher and Polish young people about the experience of EU mobility and argues that as migration narratives unfold the distinctions between the "researcher" and the "researched" blur. In particular, I focus on the intersections of gender, class and nationality to show how different positionalities are negotiated and confronted through reflexivity. The interview is a creative process involving co-construction of narratives through dialogue, embodied performances and non-cognitive associations that draw out the multiple intersectionalities of both parties. Through this process the binary of insider/outsider is called into question and this article examines the usefulness of this dichotomy as a framework for understanding the research relationship.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Botterill, Dr Kate
Authors: Botterill, K.
Subjects:G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General)
H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
J Political Science > JV Colonies and colonization. Emigration and immigration. International migration
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences > Geography
Research Group:Human Geography Research Group
Journal Name:Forum: Qualitative Social Research
Publisher:Institute for Qualitative Research
ISSN:1438-5627
ISSN (Online):1438-5627
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 The Author
First Published:First published in Forum: Qualitative Social Research 16(2):4
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record