Power, subjectivity and ethics in qualitative research

This chapter aims to introduce issues that arise because qualitative research typically involves interpersonal relationships, interpretations, and experiences. I discuss three issues of which qualitative researchers need to be aware: (1) the more formal ethical issues raised by qualitative research projects; (2) the power relations of qualitative research; and (3) objectivity, subjectivity, and intersubjectivity. Rather than advocating simple for dealing with these issues, the chapter proposes that researchers be 'critically reflexive'.11 page(s