"Being" native versus "going native": conducting social work research as an insider

Area of Science:

• Social Work Research Methodology
• Cultural Diversity in Social Work
• Indigenous Research Methods

Background:

• Increasing cultural diversity in social work practice necessitates critical examination of traditional research paradigms.
• Emergence of "native," "indigenous," or "insider" research approaches is a response to this need.
• Scholars are increasingly conducting research within their own identity groups and communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of a native social work researcher conducting an ethnographic study within her own social identity group.
• To examine the inherent challenges and benefits of being both an insider and an outsider in social work research.
• To discuss the implications of native social work perspectives and methods for research and practice.

Main Methods:

• Ethnographic research design.
• Insider research methodology.
• Qualitative data collection and analysis within a specific social identity group.

Main Results:

• The study highlights the complex dynamics of insider research, including intimate knowledge and potential biases.
• Challenges related to maintaining researcher objectivity while leveraging insider status were identified.
• The research provides insights into the unique contributions and ethical considerations of native social work research.

Conclusions:

• Native social work research offers valuable perspectives but requires careful navigation of insider-outsider roles.
• Embracing indigenous research methods can enhance the relevance and impact of social work research.
• Further exploration of native social work perspectives is crucial for advancing culturally responsive practice.