Reflexivity in the Practice of Social Action: From Self-to Inter-Relational Reflexivity

Abstract

We explore the nature of reflexivity in the context of social action and community work. In using the term social action, we are referring to collective action which seeks to transform the nature of local and societal conditions. We characterise such action as the creation of a social space in which stakeholders, representing different interests, come together to engage in joint activities to address issues of inequality and power. In such contexts, reflexivity is something more than the ‘self-reflexivity’ of the individual stakeholder, as social action requires a joint deconstruction of power in the voices and relationships operating between the stakeholders within a performative space. We name this form of reflexivity ‘inter-relational reflexivity’ and explore what such reflexivity may look like. We will suggest that inter-relational reflexivity goes beyond self-reflexivity and occurs dialogically including a concern for moral agency and the negotiation of accountability and responsibility for action. This in turn could lead to the translation of critical awareness in relation to others into social action, referred to as performativity.

Research Entanglements, Race, and Recognizability: A Psychosocial Reading of Interview Encounters in (Post-) Colonial, (Post-) Apartheid South Africa

“…An emphasis on this relational, social space in research interviews as opposed to the self as the focus of reflexive practice seems particularly important. In relation to action research, Gilbert and Sliep (2009) have recently argued for an "interrelational reflexivity" which understands reflexivity as within relationships between people in a performative space rather than as an internal process, and this seems important to pursue for psychosocial research methods. What might this interrelational reflexivity look like?…”

Contextual Reflexivity: Towards Contextually Relevant Research with South African HIV/AIDS Home-Based Care Volunteers

“…Gaining entry into the community and obtaining permission to conduct the research was a process that required consideration of the traditional and cultural requirements of engagement with the community as a whole and with individual members. Gilbert & Sliep (2009) characterize this as "action in the creation of social space in which stakeholders representing different interests come together to engage in joint activities to address issues of inequality and power" (p. 469). We took this position in order to address ethical concerns and preempt, if possible, potential ethical problems before they arose (Guillemin & Gillam, 2004).…”

“…This paradigm recommends that researchers adopt a participatory approach which allows for learning by, with and from community members in order to establish a working relationship in which people's interests and values are more authentically represented in research. Moreover, spaces of social action created by activating relationships with others provide possibilities for the development of transformational agendas that foster new social practices and institutions (Gilbert & Sliep, 2009). This attitude was advanced by complying with certain expectations from community members.…”

“…We propose a consideration of ethical reflexivity and methodological reflexivity in qualitative research practice to achieve contextual reflexivity. South African researchers Gilbert & Sliep (2009) offer a perspective on how reflexivity can be employed in the practice of social action and towards contextually relevant research. They advocate moving beyond reflexivity of self-in-action to an understanding of reflexivity within inter-relational processes.…”

Editorial: Psychology — A Multi-Shaped Crystal

“…In the seventh article, Reflexivity in the practice of social action: from seEf-to inter-relational reflexivity, Gilbert and Sliep (2009) report on their research on the nature of reflexivity in the context of social action and community work. Whereas the term 'social action' refers to collective action that seeks to transform the nature of local and societal conditions, the authors characterise such action as the creation of a social space in which stakeholders, representing different interests, come together to engage in joint activities to address issues of inequality and power.…”