The Inside and the outside : identity performance in the context of social research

Abstract

Identities are an irrevocable component of social life. They help us better know ourselves and others, enabling communication, mutual understanding, and social cohesion. We assume different identities in our day-to-day lives, performing the ‘self’ depending on whether we are being observed, and who is observing us. This ‘on stage’ and ‘backstage’ behaviour corresponds to public ‘outer’ and private ‘inner’ dimensions of self, with the outer self observing the prescribed social norms and behaviour despite what the inner self may think and feel. When two groups interact, alternative realities come face to face, and multiple ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ selves emerge, with participants performing the roles they believe fit the context. This article examines this identity performance and the ‘inside-outside’ positionality in the context of social research. Reflecting on interactions and activities undertaken during a collaborative North-South research module, I posit that research engagements would do well to implement actions that diminish the perceived power distance between the parties involved.