Deconstructing positionality in conflict resolution: Reflections from first-person action research in Pakistan and the South Caucasus

Abstract

This article explores the role of first-person action research in uncovering how positionality influences conflict resolution practice. Specifically, it examines the experiences of two scholar-practitioners conducting first-person action research in different conflict/post-conflict settings. The case studies include first-person action research on encounter programs with Pakistani youth and first-person action research examining peacebuilding engagement in the South Caucasus. We highlight the significant challenge posed by positionality for scholar-practitioners in our practice and research, particularly as members of one of the conflict parties, and present first-person action research as a constructive approach to enhance self-reflexivity and improve our practices. We argue that first-person action research highlights the fluidity of positionality and the value of building insider relationships to enhance conflict resolution practice. Concurrently, this research approach illuminates challenges resulting from insider identities because of assumed agreement. Thus, first-person action research is useful for improving conflict resolution practice because it highlights the various benefits and drawbacks of practitioners’ positionalities.

An emerging conversation between action research and conflict transformation

“…Razer (2020) highlights the positive transformative effect of action research for teachers who, by developing emotional self-awareness, are able to avoid potential power struggles with students, especially among excluded populations, and generate interactions aimed at meeting students' needs. Cromwell and Tadevosyan (2020) bridge between the concept of reflective practice, common in conflict transformation, and first-person action research, highlighting how both concepts address positionality, a critical issue for both fields. Marie Pace (2020) presents the idea of "everyday action research," weaving conflict transformation and action research together into a single approach that can help conflict transformation practitioners develop awareness that allows them to engage complexity while dealing with systems that are still modeled on mechanistic, linear thinking.…”