ABSTRACT
In this chapter the author focuses on Christy a former student whom she followed for a decade to explore layers of reflexive attention that P. Bourdieu described as essential. She explores unrecognised and unspoken dimensions of the longitudinal research process as she reflect on the role she played in Christy’s life. The author argues that longitudinal qualitative research provides an important space for the investigation of reflexivity. As D. Swartz notes, “Reflexivity means viewing intellectual practices as being interest-oriented rather than being motivated exclusively by objective ideas or values”. The author draws on data from Christy’s longitudinal case to explore three dimensions of her own reflexivity that continue to inform her ongoing analysis of the data. The three layers of reflexivity that the author explores – as a teacher, researcher and archivist/ally – are not comprehensive, yet they are an attempt to recognise and respond to the complexity of reflexivity.
