Exploring Performativity and Resistance in Qualitative Research Interviews: A Play in Four Acts

Abstract

This play describes how the authors become aware of the complexities of resistance and performativity in the qualitative interview process. It also illustrates how this awareness and subsequent acquisition of knowledge changed and informed the way they viewed qualitative research interviewing. More specifically, performativity is put into work in this play through various theorists and examples from two qualitative research studies. As Cathrine and Vivian work together to understand resistance during the interviewing situations, with the assistance of a faculty member, Mirka, they discover theories and concepts that help them to better articulate their thoughts and describe their experiences in complex research situations. The authors learn that both performativity and resistance can challenge the normative nature of interviewing by opening up more complex knowledge construction and new spaces for interpretation.

Keywords

qualitative interview resistance performativity play

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