Reflecting on my own positionality as a researcher in Spain is dominated by recent events in European politics. When I meet people and explain that although I am working for NYU, I am in fact English, the subject almost always turns to Brexit. This is understandable given Spain’s position in the E.U. and the impact that British tourism and expatriates currently have in Spain. Aside from politics, there are other more personal aspects to note when considering my position as a researcher, particularly in relation to the organization I am working with: El Patio Maravillas.
Let’s start with Europe. It is estimated that 300,000 British expatriates live in Spain and this number increases to one million if those who spend part of the year in Spain are included.* Spain is one of the most popular choices for Britons living overseas. Unfortunately, those Britons living in Spain are notorious for a number of things, for example, only eating British food, only speaking English and not attempting to assimilate with the local population. These are stereotypes, but they have an effect on wider perceptions. In a broader sense the British reputation in Europe has suffered considerably since Brexit; a signal to other countries that the ‘British people’ did not want to continue the collaborative diplomatic and economic endeavour of the E.U. When Spanish people find out I am from the U.K. I am almost always asked what my position is in regards to Brexit and how I think it will play out. Whilst I understand their curiosity, there are times when I do feel uncomfortable being the spokesperson for a country’s political decision which I do not endorse. Particularly when I am aware that Spain’s economy is projected to be negatively impacted post – Brexit.** In addition, Spain’s position within the EU has its own impact on this discourse. Spain suffered one of worst recessions in living memory following the 2008 financial crisis. The country is still finding economic recovery difficult. The U.K. in contrast was considerably less affected, and (unless Brexit changes this) is often a destination for young Spanish people looking for work. This position of relative privilege is one I am aware of as I go about my research in Madrid.
The organization I am working with, El Patio Maravillas, brings a number of questions and concerns considering my position as a researcher. The organization operated through a radically open ethos: events were free and open to all and they worked with a range of different collectives across the city. Such was their effect on the community that when the police tried to evict them from a building in the Malasaña neighborhood of Madrid, hundreds of neighbors and friends arrived to stop the police from carrying out the eviction. Whilst the organization operated in this way, the group’s activities ranged in legality and therefore, there may be considerable reticence of organizers and participants to engage in research with me, or if are interviewed there is no guarantee they will be candid with me. Building trust therefore is crucial. On the flip side, the openness with which the organization operated and the freedom of expression inherent in El Patio’s ethos means that other aspects of my positionality: gender, race, sexual expression, do not represent aspects of concern. Although, as with every aspect of personality they could still all affect a situation where I am conducting research and the information that is revealed to me.
As a non-native Spanish speaker there will be certain limitations to my own understanding of the interviews and my ability to build trust with people. I will have difficulty understanding analogies or colloquialisms. The levels of English in my organization are very high (with those who I have met already), however, asking for something to be explained or repeated is another way in which my positionality as an outsider is amplified.
Ultimately, as a foreigner and new inhabitant of Madrid I will always be aware of my position as an outsider conducting research. However, it is really crucial that I am open and honest about this position with El Patio and do as much as I can to build their trust and confidence. One of the ways in which I am doing this is to ask how they would like the research to be documented and shared: to provide a resource which works for them first and foremost. In addition, I think being an outsider could in some ways create opportunities for new and different insights into their organization. For example, I might ask questions about certain practices or aspects which a Spanish person or Madrileño would take for granted. Finally, there may be an element of objectivity which I can bring to the research which a member of the organization, acquaintance, or someone who has prior familiarity with their work could not.
Supermarket in Tenerife. Photo source: Shutterstock/Tupungato
* ‘”I want to die here, not on some miserable grey street in Manchester” – British expats in Spain fearful of the Brexit effect’, The Journal, http://www.thejournal.ie/costa-del-sol-brexit-3312320-Apr2017/
** ‘Hard Brexit could cost Spain €1bn, leaked report says’, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/10/hard-brexit-could-cost-spain-1bn-leaked-report-says
Rebecca Amato says
Really nice reflection, Victoria. It must be strange to walk the tightrope between being a British woman who did not support Brexit and being a researcher for an American university, but I think your approach of openness and honesty will set you right. I’m very pleased that you are letting El Patio decide how they want the documentation to be made and shared. I’m also wondering whether there are other non-Spaniards involved in this movement?
Victoria Carter says
Hi Becky, thanks for your comment! Yes I know of a few other nationalities who were involved in El Patio – mainly American actually! But mostly Spanish. I think the questions come from the Brexit decision being so recent and its potential repercussions in Spain.