The role of privilege and oppression in arts-based research: A case study of a cisgender and transgender research team

Abstract

This chapter discusses the importance of examining how identity, power, and privilege show up in research relationships. An arts-based research process is described in which the theme was the somatic effects of oppression for a transgender person. Metaphors and images are explored to illuminate how aspects of power and privilege impacted the relationship and work of the two authors. Conflicts and learning are discussed to illuminate how power played out in the relationship and how the authors built trust and worked toward healing the harm that became part of the research process. Suggestions are made for intentional transparency with the aim of causing less harm as well as actively practicing equity when engaging in social justice research.