Putting the Political Scientist into the Picture

This methodological paper reports on a doctoral study of gender and Australian federal parliament. Much political science literature is embedded in a positivist epistemology which suggests the role of the researcher is as a dispassionate, objective outside observer. In contrast, this paper argues that there is value in recording the subjective experiences of the researcher. This is particularly the case, I suggest, as I am an ‘insider ’ who once was a ‘woman member of parliament ’ in Australia. The paper begins with a discussion of reflexivity and positionality in research. Following this, I turn to my own experiences as a member of the Australian House of Representatives from 1987 to 1996, drawing out connections with the existing literature. The conclusion emphasises the value of a reflexive approach to research and considers why such an approach has been afforded so little attention by political scientists