15 Positionality Statement Examples
Positionality statements are an important tool for being cognizant of our perspectives, beliefs, and underlying assumptions that we bring to the work we do in academia. By assessing our biases and individual privileges, we can ensure our work is well-informed, intentional, and respectful towards those we quote and cite. Read bellow our positionality statement examples and the intentional role in academia.
Positionality Statement Examples:
Exploring Our Intentional Role in Academia
Simply put, a positionality statement is a reflection on our own positionality in regard to a certain topic, issue, or sector. It is an explanation of our identity, privilege, and any potential biases that could influence our research. Positionality statements help us become conscious of our own subjectivity in order to consider how this subjectivity might shape our work within a particular context.
Below are a few examples of positionality statements:
Example 1: I am a 21-year-old white woman born and raised in the United States of America. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies and am currently a master’s student at a university in the Midwest. As a Masters student, I am able to access the necessary resources to conduct my research. However, I recognize my positionality is shaped by my privilege and access to resources, and I am cautious to not make assumptions based on my own experiences and opinions.
Example 2: I am a 25 year old mixed-race woman of Latin American heritage living in the United States. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s in Social Work. As a researcher, I bring the experience of both my cultural heritage and my professional development to my work. I acknowledge the privilege I have in being able to access certain resources, and I strive to be aware of my own biases and recognize how these may shape my research.
Example 3: I am a 45-year-old white male living in the United States. I hold a Ph.D. in Anthropology and have been working in the field for the past 20 years. I recognize my position as a privileged white male and my access to resources which are not available to everyone. In order to bring a more comprehensive view to my research, I strive to be humble and mindful of my privilege and seek to actively listen to those with a different lived experience.
Example 4: I am a 23-year-old African-American woman living in the United States. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work. As a researcher, I am able to access the necessary resources to conduct my research yet I am aware of the biases I may bring due to my positionality as an African-American woman. I acknowledge my privileged access to certain resources and resources, and attempt to not make assumptions based on my own experiences and opinions.
Example 5: I am a 29-year-old Middle Eastern woman born and raised in Canada. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies and a Master’s in Social Work. I bring my experience of my cultural heritage and my professional development to my work. I acknowledge my privilege in being able to access resources, and I try to remain mindful of my own biases, and recognize how these may shape my research.
Example 6: I am a 30-year-old Asian-American living in the United States. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master’s degree in Sociology. As a researcher, I am able to access the necessary resources to conduct my research and am aware of potential biases I may bring due to my racial and cultural identity. I recognize my privilege in having access to certain resources and giving me the ability to pursue my research.
Example 7: I am a 45-year-old Native American woman living in the United States. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work. I bring the experience of my cultural heritage and my professional development to my work. I recognize my privilege in being able to access resources and strive to be aware of my own biases and recognize how they may shape my research.
Example 8: I am a 22-year-old mixed-race woman living in the United States. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and a Master’s in Education. As a researcher and educator, I bring my experience of my cultural heritage and my professional development to my work. I am aware of my privilege in being able to access resources, and I strive to remain cognizant of my own biases and recognize how they may shape my research.
Example 9: I am a 35-year-old African-American male living in the United States. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s in Social Work. As a researcher, I bring the experience of my cultural heritage and my professional development to my work. I acknowledge my privileged access to certain resources and strive to be aware of my own biases and recognize how they may shape my research.
Example 10: I am a 24-year-old female from the Caribbean living in the United States. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Master’s in International Relations. As a researcher, I recognize my privilege in being able to access certain resources and strive to be aware of my own biases and recognize how they may shape my research.
Example 11: I am a 28-year-old Latinx man living in the United States. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Education. As a researcher, I bring the experience of my cultural heritage and my professional development to my work. I acknowledge my privilege in being able to access certain resources and strive to be aware of my own biases and recognize how they may shape my research.
Example 12: I am a 48-year-old white female living in the United States. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. As a researcher, I recognize my privilege in being able to access certain resources and strive to be aware of my own biases and recognize how they may shape my research.
Example 13: I am a 36-year-old Asian-American living in the United States. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a Master’s in Social Work. As a researcher, I bring the experience of my cultural heritage and my professional development to my work. I acknowledge my privileged access to certain resources and strive to be aware of my own biases and recognize how they may shape my research.
Example 14: I am a 32-year-old Native American female living in the United States. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s in International Relations. As a researcher, I recognize my privilege in being able to access certain resources and strive to be aware of my own biases and recognize how they may shape my research.
Example 15: I am a 23-year-old mixed-race male from the United Kingdom. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s in Education. As a researcher, I bring the experience of my cultural heritage and my professional development to my work. I acknowledge my privileged access to certain resources and strive to be aware of my own biases and recognize how they may shape my research.
These are just a few Positionality Statement Examples that can help us become aware of our role in academia. Being reflective and honest about our identity, privilege, and biases can help us become more effective researchers and individuals.
More Positionality Statement Examples are coming soon…
