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Conversations with Suzanna: Exploring Gender, Motherhood, and Research Practice

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Abstract

This is a story of two mothers who met through a narrative research project that looked at young adults’ gender transitions from their parents’ perspectives. Focusing on one mother’s experiences with her daughter’s transition, this chapter traces the course of the researcher-respondent relationship through interview transcripts, field notes, memos, and recollections. Over the course of five years, tears were shed, fundamental truths were questioned, and a friendship was forged. The chapter closes with reflections on research practice, touching on the challenge of authentically representing another person’s narrative, the role of subjectivity, and the merits of prolonged engagement.

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Barusch, A. (2018). Conversations with Suzanna: Exploring Gender, Motherhood, and Research Practice. In: Capous-Desyllas, M., Morgaine, K. (eds) Creating Social Change Through Creativity. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52129-9_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52129-9_6

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-52128-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-52129-9

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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