Doing Research with Marginalized Communities: Webinar Recap

By Kasia Figiel, Sage Research Methods Community Manager

Sage Campus recently hosted a webinar on conducting research with historically marginalized communities, featuring Dr. Shotonda S. Jones (St. Bonaventure University, US) and Dr. Shantoyia (Toy) Jones (Xavier University of Louisiana, US). The session emphasized the importance of transparency, trust-building, and ethical considerations when conducting research with these populations.

Dr. Shantoyia (Toy) Jones highlighted the necessity of cultural self-reflection, urging researchers to examine their own biases before engaging with communities. Dr. Shotonda S. Jones shared a case study demonstrating how collaborating with community leaders can enhance research relevance and impact. They stressed that research should be conducted with communities, not on them, ensuring reciprocity and shared decision-making.

Key challenges included increasing institutional pressure to soften language around marginalization, which risks obscuring systemic inequities. The speakers advocated for maintaining integrity in research language and methodology. They also provided practical strategies, such as needs assessments, Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR), and integrating community voices throughout the research process.

Ultimately, the session reinforced that ethical research requires long-term, reciprocal relationships. For social science researchers and students, the takeaway was clear: research should serve communities, not just academic goals, by fostering inclusion, advocating for change, and amplifying marginalized voices.

This webinar was hosted by Sage Campus.  If your institution does not subscribe to Sage Campus, you can register for 7 days of free access at https://freetrials.sagepub.com/