The traditional academic researcher is often viewed as an objective, outside observer. The concept of reflexivity, however, challenges this assumption by expanding upon the conventional role(s) of participant-observer. In this study I reflect-in-action upon two dialectical tensions that emerged during my 48-month study of an intercultural congregation. I begin this process by reviewing the concepts of reflexivity and dialectical theory. Building upon four years of ethnographic fieldwork, I then outline the study’s context and methodology. Next, I discuss two dialectical tensions that emerged during my research, as well as the way I attempted to manage each: (a) majority-minority and (b) faith-academe. Drawing from a variety of theoretical perspectives, I conclude with three implications for future research and practice: (a) the necessity of positionality, (b) the value of authenticity, and (c) the benefit of tensions.
Key words: reflexivity, dialectical theory, researcher roles, positionality, social penetration theory, self-disclosure, culture-centered approach
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