No abstract

Reflexivity and acknowledging the role of the researcher in the research is a well-established practice in post-positivist research. In this paper we use reflexivity to examine our personal experiences in conducting qualitative research. We use reflexivity to understand how our intersecting identities and resulting insider/outsider status may have influenced the data collection phase of a study regarding the culturally and religiously sensitive issue of male-female intimate relationships. Using an intersectional approach, we explore the fluidity of our insider/outsider statuses resulting from our multiple and intersecting identities such as ethnicity, religion, age, and sex. The multiple identities a researcher possesses can cause him/her to be perceived as an insider and outsider simultaneously, which can play a significant role in shaping the interactions between the interviewer and interviewee. We present reflexive accounts on how our identities may have affected the data collection process and participants’ comfort level when discussing sensitive issues, in this case sexuality. Overall, we seek to provide insight into the role of intersecting multiple identities and the resulting insider/outsider status in qualitative data collection when examining culturally and religiously sensitive issues from the perspective of the researchers.

No abstract

The inclusion of transgender athletes in sport challenges a number of long-standing cis-heteronormative beliefs within athletics at all levels of competition. There are limited studies examining the integration and experiences of transgender athletes within amateur sport. The following case study follows the experiences of a transgender synchronized figure skater, Mason, who was able to continue competing throughout his transition process. We conducted eight semi-structured one-on-one interviews with Mason, his teammates, his team manager, and his past and present coaches. All interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subject to thematic analysis which resulted in four overarching themes: (a) building inclusivity: “promote a safe space,” (b) acknowledging stress, (c) disclosure: “I didn’t want to talk about my past,” and (d) celebration. Results are interpreted as recommendations for coaches on how to adopt inclusive practices to better support transgender athletes.

This research explores how South Asian youth in Canada use computer-mediated communication (CMC) such as social networking sites, cell phones and instant messaging in their cross-gender intimate relationships. Using 42 qualitative interviews conducted with second-generation South Asian Canadians living in the Greater Toronto Area and Durham region, this article sheds light on the motives for using CMC as well as negative consequences that can emerge. The data reveal that South Asian youth are using CMC to initiate and build relationships, remain connected with partners, engage in discreet communication, to ease uncomfortable and intimate discussions, and to communicate when face-to-face interaction is not available. Gender, religion and country of origin differences were rare, but did appear in a few motives. Negative consequences of CMC use volunteered by participants include parental-child conflict over restriction and questioning CMC use and its use leading to parents' discovery of a 'secret' relationship. Overall, CMC provided a means for second-generation South Asian youth in Canada to overtly adhere to norms of gender-separation while covertly engaging in crossgender relationships. If not discovered, this helped to maintain family honour within the South Asian community while fulfilling their perceived need for crossgender friendships and romantic involvements. IntroductionThis is the age of the technological revolution. These days the power of technology is felt and seen in most aspects of social life today. For most individuals, its use has become second nature (Bargh and McKenna 2004) and somewhat habit forming. Individuals today use technology, specifically computer-mediated communication (CMC), in their personal lives for the purposes of communication, information, formation and maintenance of relationships, and solely entertainment. Historically, prior to the telephone, connecting to loved ones was a daunting task that entailed written cards or letters that eventually required paying a visit to the nearest post office (Ramirez and Broneck 2009). Today, however, CMC has facilitated the social exchange process for relational partners and interpersonal communication in more ways than one (McKenna and Bargh 1999). A variety of Internet, email and instant messaging (IM)

Battered woman syndrome concept was introduced in the 1970s by Lenore Walker to elucidate battered women's experiences and behaviors. Although not technically a legal defense, battered woman syndrome has been used in the criminal justice system. One of its well‐known uses is in self‐defense cases of battered women who have killed their abusive partners. This entry discusses the two main theories used to support battered woman syndrome, namely the cycle theory and learned helplessness. The ways in which battered woman syndrome has been used within the criminal justice system is discussed. Furthermore, early landmark cases used in courts for battered woman syndrome are examined. Finally, this entry provides an overview of battered woman syndrome's beneficial and damaging legal applications as well as some of the major criticisms directed at its use generally.