Critical reflexivity…hmm…what’s that? Sounds complicated. It's something about noticing and paying attention to our own role in a story; how I influence what I perceive in any relationship, issue or situation. I was re-reading one of my favourite books, An Invitation to Social Construction (2009) by Kenneth Gergen this morning which introduces this concept with the following explanation: ‘Critical reflectivity is the attempt to place one’s premises into question, to suspend the ‘obvious’, to listen to alternative framings of reality and to grapple with the comparative outcomes of multiple standpoints…this means an unrelenting concern with the blinding potential of the ‘taken for granted’…we must be prepared to doubt everything we have accepted as real, true, right, necessary or essential’. I find this interesting, stimulating and exciting. It’s about journeying into not-knowing, entertaining the possibility that there could be very different ways of perceiving, framing or experiencing issues or phenomena. It’s about a radical openness to fresh possibilities, new horizons, hitherto unimaginable ideas. It’s a recognition that all my assumptions and preconceptions about reality could be limiting or flawed. I’ve found this critical reflexivity principle invaluable in my coaching and OD practice. How often people and organisations get stuck, trapped, by their own fixed ways of seeing and approaching things. The same cultural influences that provide stability can blind us to alternative possibilities. The gift of the coach or consultant is to loosen the ground, release energy and insight, create fresh options for being and action. It resonates with my reading of the gospels. Jesus Christ had a way of confronting the worldviews, traditions and apparent ‘common sense’ outlook of those he encountered in such a way that often evoked confusion, anger or frustration. It’s as if he could perceive things others couldn’t see. He had a way of reframing things that it left people feeling disorientated. He operated in a very different paradigm. I will close with words from Fook & Askeland (2006): ‘Reflexivity can simply be defined as an ability to recognise our own influence – and the influence of our social and cultural contexts on research, the type of knowledge we create and the way we create it. In this sense, then, it is about factoring ourselves into the situations we practice in.'
14 Comments
Nick Wright
8/12/2012 05:49:45 am
Thanks for your kind and encouraging feedback, Erika. I would be very interested to hear of any insights it may have evoked for you. With best wishes. Nick
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Swadesh Chakrabarty
8/12/2012 05:41:15 am
Indeed! It sounds complicated. At the same time, it is most interesting and is the truth about this universe in relation to us. Whereas the affairs of this universe is comparatively limited, within the human awareness it becomes multiplied manifold. Things remaining the same outside us, we perceive it differently by different individuals as well as by the same individual at different settings. look at the same thing from different perspectives, different attitude, different motivation, you will find different realities zooming on the surface. Our world is within us and not anywhere else.
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Nick Wright
8/12/2012 05:54:02 am
Hi Swadesh. Thanks for the note and for your encouraging feedback. I think you express well the complex, intriguing nature of the relationship between reality and experience. With best wishes. Nick
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Luis Cochofel
8/12/2012 05:42:26 am
Interesting article, Nick, and what a perspective on Jesus, his behaviour and words!
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Nick Wright
8/12/2012 06:01:13 am
Thanks for your encouraging feedback, Luis. Yes, I think the social constructionist perspective can provide some interesting and stimulating reflections on the life, perspective and actions of Jesus Christ. On the topic of social constructionism, another of my favourites is Vivien Burr's 'Social Constructionism' (2003), well worth glancing at. With best wishes. Nick
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Puneet Trehan
8/12/2012 05:43:12 am
Nick- Thanks for sharing something so wonderful-
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Nick Wright
8/12/2012 06:04:34 am
Hi Puneet and thanks for such kind feedback. Yes, it's quite a challenge to develop and sustain critical thinking and reflective thought. In my experience, this is where skilful coaching can prove invaluable. If you have found any helpful ways to develop reflective insight and practice, I would be very interested to hear more. With best wishes. Nick
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Swadesh Chakrabarty
8/12/2012 09:51:31 pm
Thanks Nick.Incidentally, this becomes an indirect example of the importance of critical reflexivity. Everything remaining the same, you or me, with a little interaction and reflection of thoughts, you could discover me differently. Most of the time we ignore it.Do not misunderstand me. I am not trying to become complex. Rather, I am sharing my joy of realizing the reality of your topics, "Critical reflexivity".
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Nick Wright
8/12/2012 10:40:44 pm
Thanks for the note, Swadesh. I find your insights and your way of expressing them profound and inspiring, for example, 'you could discover me differently'. According to social constructionism, how we perceive and experience ourselves and each other is culturally influenced. Any slight variation in our cultural environment and experience as well as our own personal experience would result in the kind of changes you have described.
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11/12/2012 12:53:11 am
Hi Nick,
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Nick Wright
11/12/2012 01:14:20 am
Hi Funmi and thanks for your note. I always find your comments encouraging and insightful. :) Thanks for sharing such an excellent personal example of the kind of phenomena and experience that critical reflexivity points towards.
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aashima galhotra
19/9/2019 02:24:36 pm
How can I learn more about reflexivity
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30/3/2023 06:53:01 am
I find your blog posts to be highly insightful! Your thoughtful and reflective approach to understanding the world around you is truly inspiring. It's refreshing to see such a candid analysis of the issues that our society faces. Keep up the great work!
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Nick WrightI'm a psychological coach, trainer and OD consultant. Curious to discover how can I help you? Get in touch! Like what you read? Simply enter your email address below to receive regular blog updates!
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