Studying Across Differences: Race, Class, and Gender in Qualitative Research BY: CAROLINA LEY

Research Presentation and Objective  Research Presentation: Book Chapter  Objective of Research: Analyze how class, race, and gender relations between researchers and those being researched influence research outcomes.

Approach and Research Methods Used  Approach/ Methodology Used: Qualitative and Quantitative  Research Methods:  Ethnography (Field Research)  Interviews  Oral Narratives of women  Archival  Participant Observation  Content Analysis

Data Sources  1980 U.S. Census  Street Woman by Miller  Quotes by other researchers

Research Process and Ethical Considerations  Research Process:  Develop a question of study  Conducted previous research of the subject matter  Conducted interviews which included conversations  Took part in everyday activities of women  Ethical Considerations:  Respected women’s identity and choices  Respectful of women’s opinions

Relevant Quotes  “…research is an act of self-discovery, as well as a process of learning about others…this self reflective method of constructing knowledge is more compelling and reliable than standard, detached ways of knowing.” (pg. 50)  “Blacks have always been measured against an alien set of norms…they have been considered to be a deviation from the ambiguous white middle class model…” (pg. 39)  “Slightly more than one-third of Black persons live below the poverty line compared with less than 5% of white families…”(pg.44)

Strength and Weaknesses of Research Strengths  She uses various cited sources to support her argument.  Takes an insider approach in order to better understand and interact with people.  She conducted her research with ethical considerations.  She describes her feelings during interviews and how that has helped her understand social issues but also analyze her life. Weaknesses  One provides a feminist perspective.  She could have interviewed males and compare their feelings regarding social issues.  The researcher could have mentioned the race of some women she interviewed and determine if there was a difference between the way black and white women responded to her questions.

Discussion Questions  Do you think that emotional attachment to a situation or a person could be beneficial to research? Why or why not?  Is it important to collaborate with someone who might have more in common with the community than the researcher?  Due to circulating perceptions of African Americans in mainstream America, do you think it is likely for a person to conduct research without having predisposed bias?