Cultural Methods in Psychology | 2021
Strengths-Based Approaches to Conducting Research With Low-Income and Other Marginalized Populations
Abstract
As researchers, providers, and policymakers strive to make their work more inclusive, it is important to move beyond simply paying more attention to “understudied” groups. Along with calls for more research, there should be equally vigorous calls to move beyond stigmatizing, deficits-based approaches and instead develop respectful, strengths-based lenses. One challenge is the lack of published guidance about how to interact professionally with marginalized populations. Guided by standpoint theory, I share my experiences and recommendations for working with marginalized populations, focusing especially on working with people from low-income and working-class communities. Everyone has a standpoint that is shaped by multiple characteristics, and for many people these will include some privileged and some disadvantaged characteristics. However, even for well-intentioned people, it can be challenging to look beyond one’s socialization and to recognize that personal characteristics, in and of themselves, cannot confer goodness on a person, only privilege. The following recommendations are explored in more detail in the chapter: researchers are encouraged to recognize one’s perspective (reflexivity), avoid setting up studies that inadvertently reflect academic culture, offer incentives that convey respect for people’s time and expertise in their own lives, ensure measures are written in straightforward (not academic) language, include or create measures that explore the strengths of marginalized groups, and disseminate work to communities, not just fellow researchers. Researchers, students, editors, reviewers, and policymakers should be aware of best practices in this area.