Reflections on being ‘outsider-insiders’ and ‘insider-outsiders’ - fluctuating positionalities in research with migrant and refugee women

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Thompson, Naomi and Nasimi, Rabia. 2025. Reflections on being ‘outsider-insiders’ and ‘insider-outsiders’ - fluctuating positionalities in research with migrant and refugee women. In: Brian Callan; Pearson Nkhoma and Naomi Thompson, eds. Critical Research and Creative Practice with Migrant and Refugee Communities. Bristol: Policy Press. ISBN 9781447372790 [Book Section] (In Press)

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Abstract or Description

This chapter focuses on the value of insider-research with marginalised groups, through the example of a community-based organisation working with migrant and refugee women in London. Refugees and migrants are often treated as ‘outsiders’ by society, and scholars have argued that gaining their trust in research is a sensitive process, particularly where they have experienced trauma and/or come from war-torn countries. The chapter analyses links between reflexivity and participatory action research, exploring notions of power. We present a sample of the data from the three-year evaluation of the women’s project, consider our positionality as researchers on the project, and discuss the methodological implications of the case study for wider research and practice with refugees and migrants.
Focusing on the organisation’s women’s project, we argue that without the involvement of both ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’ in the research, key findings that draw on the women’s personal experiences would not have emerged. We argue that involving both ‘insider’ and ‘outsider’ researchers allowed us to collate authentic narratives whilst ensuring external rigour – drawing on how the research was carried out by an external academic working alongside practitioner-researchers within the organisation. The chapter adds further nuance to previous discussions of insider-research and particularly the rejection of the insider/outsider binary, through considering the levels of insider and outsider status inhabited by researchers and the fluidity between these positionalities. We reflect on the power dynamics and implications of being fluid and partial insiders and outsiders in both research and practice.

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Book Section