ABSTRACT
Chapter 2 explores the importance of creating a foundation for justice-centered qualitative inquiry. It discusses the steps researchers can take to establish this groundwork, building upon self-awareness and self-understanding. Emphasizing critical self-reflection and reflexivity, the chapter highlights their role in navigating research ethically and meaningfully. It also includes three life-changing stories from James deLeón Salvo and Jasmine Ulmer, Hong Tran and Aurelia Dávila de Silva. These stories showcase moments of vulnerability and transformation, demonstrating the significance of emotional intelligence in qualitative inquiry. The chapter examines the interplay between critical self-reflection, reflexivity, positionality and power in decolonial research and co-produced research approaches. By embracing vulnerability and reflexivity, researchers can create a strong foundation for ethical and justice-centered qualitative inquiry. This chapter serves as a guide for researchers seeking meaningful and just research practices.
