Researching transformation at a South African university – ethical dilemmas in the politics of representation

Abstract

This article focuses on the complexity of researching institutional culture and the ethical dilemmas posed in representing staff according to race and gender, drawing on three qualitative studies undertaken at a previously white South African university between 2000 and 2007. During the research process, issues of representation became a concern both for participants and the researcher; specifically, some participants contested how they were categorised in interview transcripts and draft articles. Based on the empirical data of the three studies and using critical social theory and constructionist, feminist and post-colonial critiques, this article asks whether researchers can describe the lives of others without violating their reality, and argues for ethical representation that allows for advocacy and empowerment.

Ceremonial Transformation: The Significance of Renaming Memorial Hall after Sarah Baartman at the University of Cape Town

“…It evokes identity politics and unequal power relations and dynamics, as well as deep ideological deliberations (Manatsha, 2014). Ismail (2007Ismail ( , 2011 recognized the demonstration of an awareness of cultural diversity by identifying suitable names for buildings as an important step towards transformation. We also acknowledge the efforts that UCT made in forming the NoBC, as well as the NoBC choosing Sarah Baartman's name.…”

“…According to Ismail (2011Ismail ( , 2007, institutional culture is often described as chauvinistic, cold and competitive, and is often cited as a barrier to attracting and retaining black staff and students. Other factors which add to the complexity of institutional culture are a great divide in rank between junior and senior academic staff, and between administrative and academic staff.…”

“…Like Ismail (2011), this article subscribes to the notion that knowledge and experiences are situated, and therefore the reader has to take into account the context and researchers' positionalities. Researcher positionalities foreground the way in which research is conducted and how the social and political positions of the researcher(s) influence the research.…”

Reflections of Black Women Academics at South African Universities: A Narrative Case Study

“…In their study, they reported that women experienced marginalisation and lack of support from both their peers and managers. This is in addition to the phenomenon observed by Ismail (2011) who presents data to show how many black and female staff are employed at the lower ranks in both academic and administrative posts.…”

The fourth and fifth generations of African scholars: A South African case study

“…However, the so-called 'Bush Universities' are still struggling to attract students from non-African communities. Nevertheless, the striving for equity is coming of age even though much work regarding the plight of black, particularly African, academics is yet to be completed (Ismail 2011).…”