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'It's Not Just an Assignment': A Duoethnography on the (Op)Positionality of Evaluator Identity

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Title: 'It's Not Just an Assignment': A Duoethnography on the (Op)Positionality of Evaluator Identity
Language: English
Authors: Giovanni P. Dazzo (ORCID 0000-0001-9087-1579), Ashley L. Williams (ORCID 0009-0001-3629-3090)
Source: American Journal of Evaluation. 2026 47(1):163-167.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 5
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Evaluators, Ethnography, Intersectionality, Power Structure, Individual Characteristics, World Views, Reflection
DOI: 10.1177/10982140251396830
ISSN: 1098-2140
1557-0878
Abstract: This piece is grounded in the critical feminisms within standpoint epistemology and decolonial theories. We present our histories and experiences as methodologists and evaluators using a collaborative and dialogical method, duoethnography. After reviewing one another's written memos, we engaged in conversation through voice memos and face-to-face interactions. Together, we analyzed and compared these incidents and experiences to locate how our identities of power, privilege, and oppression motivate the theories and practices we use as evaluators. We then distilled these memos and conversations to narratively present personal insights and vignettes that explore our (op)positionality as evaluators. Continually questioning one's past and present role as an evaluator, and as one's full self, requires comfort with uncertainty. This uncertainty can aid evaluators in efforts to deconstruct deeply held and often oppressive ways of being and knowing as they move toward more liberatory forms of evaluation.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1497757
Database: ERIC
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  Data: 'It's Not Just an Assignment': A Duoethnography on the (Op)Positionality of Evaluator Identity
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Giovanni+P%2E+Dazzo%22">Giovanni P. Dazzo</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9087-1579">0000-0001-9087-1579</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Ashley+L%2E+Williams%22">Ashley L. Williams</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3629-3090">0009-0001-3629-3090</externalLink>)
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  Data: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
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  Data: This piece is grounded in the critical feminisms within standpoint epistemology and decolonial theories. We present our histories and experiences as methodologists and evaluators using a collaborative and dialogical method, duoethnography. After reviewing one another's written memos, we engaged in conversation through voice memos and face-to-face interactions. Together, we analyzed and compared these incidents and experiences to locate how our identities of power, privilege, and oppression motivate the theories and practices we use as evaluators. We then distilled these memos and conversations to narratively present personal insights and vignettes that explore our (op)positionality as evaluators. Continually questioning one's past and present role as an evaluator, and as one's full self, requires comfort with uncertainty. This uncertainty can aid evaluators in efforts to deconstruct deeply held and often oppressive ways of being and knowing as they move toward more liberatory forms of evaluation.
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