Positionality Statements are just the tip of the Iceberg: Moving toward a Reflexive Process

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Abstract

In July 2020, Journal of Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering (JWM) started requiring a positionality statement in each paper published. To the best of our knowledge, requiring a positionality statement at JWM is a first for a journal in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, although some other journals are beginning to encourage authors to include one.

With this editorial, we, the JWM editorial staff, want to clarify several aspects about positionality statements. We understand positionality statements to be only one part of a larger process of reflexivity. We also understand that for many JWM authors, professional and personal risks are associated with revealing identities in positionality statements. It is our hope that positionality statements—when understood in these more complex ways—will result in higher quality, more socially just research. And that is why JWM has committed to them.