ABSTRACT
In qualitative research, there is a tradition of emphasizing the importance of being reflexive, of considering one's role as a researcher. This can be expressed in different ways. It may involve generally reflecting on one's analysis to avoid taking things for granted, but also more specifically reflecting more explicitly on one's own identity as a researcher. The issue of the researcher's identity is often formulated in terms of the value and consequences of being an insider or an outsider in the contexts one is studying. 1 I am a man, which makes me an insider to the extent that I am writing about men and masculinity. But I am neither a police officer nor gay, and as these two categories are the primary ones in this book, I ought to be considered primarily an outsider.
