Our Shared Shelf discussion

Depends on the field! Sometimes its fine and sometimes it's not. Generally, though, I'd say it's not a problem unless the graduate student is irresponsible, disingenuous, or in some other way disrespectful to the community.

I do think that if there were a larger number of people from such marginalized communities pursuing academic careers, the problem (as it is perceived) would be somewhat mitigated.

There is something valuable about having both insider and outsider perspectives. And I want to reiterate that I'm considering this in a strictly academic context... this is not the case with, like, random think pieces online (I'm sure we all know the kind of thing I'm referring to). Assuming that academics are doing their due diligence, it shouldn't matter where they come from. But like I said before, it would be preferable to have both perspectives, and in order for that to happen, we need more people from marginalized communities to have the opportunity to pursue scholarly work.

as an outsider living in a foreign country, i have learned so very much about differences in culture, language, and ways of being, and have been generally accepted, and even made friends here. i think anyone going somewhere where s/he is the outsider does need to be polite and respectful, as well as aware that you are a guest in said community. being warm, sincere, and open to suggestions can go a long way. unless there is a specific objection to one's presence, i would think that going in with heartfelt gratitude at being allowed there, and a natural sense of humility would not be unwelcome. and, of course, a smile can always pave the way to acceptance.

Kharoll-Ann wrote: "Hi everyone,

I'd like to have your perspective on graduate students doing research on marginalized communities while they are not part of that community themselves. For or against?"

I am divided on this topic because it is such a complex question that takes into account many factors, such as individuality, home culture, foreign culture, inter-sectional factors, research topic, approach and attitude for example. One thing, however, that is very important is not to discount the personal narratives and feelings of the people whose culture you are researching. Sometimes, the graduate student can get too focused - not necessarily a negative point - in his or her research that they may consider themselves the ultimate to-go person on all things considered, and may in turn, unfortunately, look down upon the opinions of the native people.

So, in essence, its important to know where to draw the line. You don't want to discount or disrespect the natives and at the same time be wary of letting too many voices influence/pull your research in many different directions.

Kharoll-Ann wrote: "Hi everyone,

I'd like to have your perspective on graduate students doing research on marginalized communities while they are not part of that community themselves. For or against?"

A great memoir by an academic who did this is Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets by Sudhir Venkatesh.

A thing that was often stressed by my professors when I did my field study in gradschool was that if you are a part of the culture you are researching, you might be biased in a way that makes it hard to look closely into potential problems. We were very much encouraged to do our field studies in institutions or cultures that were not out own - with a lot of respect and proper academic schooling to back us.

Kharoll-Ann wrote: "Hi everyone,

I'd like to have your perspective on graduate students doing research on marginalized communities while they are not part of that community themselves. For or against?"


It depends on the approach they use. As long as it is one that recognises them as the experts in their lives and the community they are in and the research is ethically conducted then it can inform mainstream society of the reality of the issues faced and the diversity brought by their culture.

Kharoll-Ann wrote: "Hi, I have read you all. Sorry for my late reply!

I was actually asking this question for me. I am an undergraduate social work major, applying to grad school next fall. I am a woman of color but ..."

hey, kharoll-ann,

i'm thinking you are getting your msw in the u.s. i, too, have my msw, and both my graduate internships were devoted to men and women in prison. i spent one semester w/ the men, one semester w/ women. since i've never been in prison myself, i'd consider myself an outsider of sorts during those semesters. besides, there were many people of color, including indigenous.

i was interning as part of preparing to become a therapist, and i worked w/ this population in that capacity, but i learned a lot from them as well. as far as what you might be giving to them - from my experience, among a population extremely untrusting of anyone in authority, i believe it was my authenticity and heartfelt caring of these people that gave them the belief that all white people aren't out to get them, aren't arrogant, and really do care about others who don't look, speak, or act like them. i had some truly touching moments with several of the inmates.

i believe the same will be able to be said about you. the fact that you posted on this topic asking for opinions, help, advice, suggestions - anything that would make your study of others respectful as well as meaningful - will give those people new insights, perspectives, and perceptions of someone different from them. those are great gifts, indeed, and are coming from your heart, which will be noted and felt by those with whom you are interacting. smile, kharoll-ann - you're going to be great at whatever profession your degree affords you. best of luck to you. i know you'll do well, and will be of benefit and a blessing to others.

Kharoll-Ann wrote: "PS : Can this convo be seen by anyone who is not part of this group?"

Yes, as Our Shared Shelf is a public group, the discussion board is accessible to people who are not members of the group.

I think that one is an outsider in many ways, not only in nationality or the more visual traits.
But, being an outsider myself, I can say that as long as you are respective, treat us equally, and try to understand us, we don't bite. But be aware that we are cautious in the beginning, and that you value it if we tell you something, or show you something.

Researching indigenous communities with appropriate approach and framework is vital. Connecting with elders and sharing your purpose and approach is really important for authenticity and reliable observations as well as participatory experiences. Go for it Kharoll! Just wait til you are actually work with and for indigenous communities - the journey is life changing.

There's always a risk in being a person, who thinks more creatively than the average person, because you might find yourself receiving grants in a fairly new niche (or unique since it was established by you), or you might go without any grants at all because they don't see potential in what you do. If it's any consolation at all, I think your topic of interest could be very successful indeed in today's political climate, but then again there could be forces trying to stifle voices that are "too honest to be comfortable". Good luck, wish you all the best!

Kharoll-Ann wrote: "I also have been told to pick a topic in which there are work opportunities. Do you have anything to recommend for me about that? I'd like to study something related to sexualized violence and race..."

It really depends on your discipline and field. Jobs are scarce in academia these days no matter what you are researching. It's tough to strike a balance between doing something new and different that can make you an attractive candidate or being too radical in a way that those hiring may not want to take a risk on. As well as job availability: The more mainstream your discipline, and the more flexibility within that discipline, the more jobs available, but also the more people competing for those jobs. On the other hand, a less popular field will be less competitive but also have fewer jobs to go around.

Definitely take some time to meet with your mentors/advisors/professors, because they would know best about what is going on with your discipline once you're finished with your studies. But like I said, it's tough out there no matter what! I'm starting a PhD program in the fall and it's definitely a risky pursuit. I wish you the best of luck!

when i was in grad school, pursuing my msw (with the intent on becoming a therapist), a fellow student asked me what population i wanted to work with. i told him that my internship included working with convicts (non-violent crimes), and that i was interested in drug addictions and/or adolescents. he gave me a surprised look, then said, very seriously, 'you won't have much success with those populations.'

success is in the eyes of the beholder, as far as i'm concerned. i ended up working with troubled adolescent girls in a day treatment program. it is some of the most rewarding work i've ever known. if this job hadn't opened up, (in the town in which i lived) i had previously been invited to work on a reservation - the alcoholism, abuse, and violence rate among the native americans living there were at horrendous levels. when i left the field, the juvenile justice system was crying out for therapists.

although my field was therapy, it was with the poorer, less 'popular' populations that held opportunities for jobs. i would guess that would be the case in most fields. and, i agree, that advisors could steer you in the direction that would work best for what you want to accomplish.