Positionality in Bioethics Research: Reporting from Within

Abstract: Engaging communities who are traditionally underrepresented in research or marginalized in traditional power structures is increasingly becoming part of “best practices” for applied research. Many researchers who are also members of marginalized communities engage in research specifically to try and resolve or mitigate forms of injustice they observe in their communities. For many, their identity as researchers is preceded by their identities as group members directly impacted by the bioethical debates and policies they study. This panel consists of four scholars (trained in medicine, political science, and bioethics) who do empirical research from within at least one of their own vulnerable or historically marginalized identities. Each presenter will describe their research and how they balance obligations of being a researcher with obligations from within the community. Panelists will also address questions such as, What power or unique insights come from being researchers and group members at the same time? How to decide which identity to forefront?

Does being a member of a certain community oblige one to be an advocate for that group? One presenter will focus on disability communities; one will discuss veterans and serious mental illness; one will address end-of-life decision making in the Muslim American community; and one will discuss medical decision making for youth in foster care. Each presentation lasts 10 minutes and there will be 20 minutes for discussion. Panelists will engage the audience by providing discussion points and inviting the audience to share their experiences as researchers engaging bioethical topics.