The politics of interviewing: power relations and accepting the gift

Abstract

The politics of interviewing were independently experienced by the three authors, each of whom used a different interviewing style. It was found that existing models of interviewing were inadequate, particularly with respect to the shifting dynamics of power in interview relationships. This paper results from intensive discussions between the three authors as they worked towards synthesizing their insights and creating a better understanding of the interviewing process and the politics of interviewing. We conclude that the interview is a gift received by the researcher, and participating in the processes of the production of knowledge inevitably means being embroiled in some uncomfortable contradictions. Specifically, the power of the interviewees in the giving of the interview and our own empowerment and indebtedness as the receivers of their gift is a contradiction that deserves more serious reflection than given in the traditional literature on interviewing.