Becoming a Vulnerable Researcher

This article introduces the theme of this special issue: Dialogical Self Theory (DST) and the vulnerable researcher. As editors we began with the question: what does it mean to take a vulnerable stance on research? In particular, we and seven contributing authors, were interested in conceptualizing vulnerability as a possibility rather than a liability. We wanted to go beyond the useful but simplistic dynamics of research position statements. We asked instead: what does it mean to lay open one’s life experiences and practices to become more vulnerable in our research and why might it be useful to do so? After a general discussion on the context of and possibilities presented by vulnerability, we developed an argument why we researchers should be—perhaps must be—willing to be vulnerable when conducting inquiries where human experiences, societal concerns, and the complexities of culture converge. Using Dialogical Self Theory as a lens, we base our argument on three overlapping beliefs: vulnerability is a human condition, it fosters an ability to empathize with others and expand dialogical possibilities, and is fertile ground for change and growth. In the remainder of the article, we draw on the contributors’ articles to better illustrate the uncertainties, issues, and possibilities of taking a vulnerable stance on research.