Reflexivity in Qualitative Research Engaging With Young People in Post-war Northern Uganda

Reflexivity plays a crucial role in qualitative research, shaping not only the process but also the outcomes of the research. This chapter delves into the significance of reflexivity within the research journey, exemplified through field research about social entrepreneurship among the youth in post-conflict northern Uganda. Reflexivity is presented as a process of critical self-awareness, enabling a deeper understanding of both the researched context and the researchers themselves. The chapter focuses on the pivotal role of reflexivity in planning and executing fieldwork. It highlights the challenge of aligning initial plans with the realities encountered during fieldwork, especially in research involving vulnerable communities in adverse and unstable conditions. The chapter presents a range of methods and tools aimed at upholding continuous reflection and critical assessment during the evolving research process.