Womanism and Snowball Sampling: Engaging Marginalized Populations in Holistic Research

Authors

Xeturah M. Woodley, New Mexico State University - Main CampusFollow
Megan Lockard, New Mexico State University - Main CampusFollow

Abstract

Womanist and feminist qualitative researchers continue to identify research methods and techniques that harness the power of social networking and personal connections while engaging with marginalized populations. Many have found that the use of snowball sampling allows increased access to individuals and groups that may otherwise remain inaccessible. The purpose of this article is to discuss the use of snowball sampling techniques within womanist and feminist research. The authors offer critical reflections of the use of this sampling technique as a tool that allows researchers access to “hidden” and marginalized populations. An example of the use of snowball sampling in a doctoral research project, which looks at the experiences of Black women faculty in New Mexico’s institutions of higher education, is provided. The article concludes with recommended strategies and key considerations about the use of snowball sampling in womanist research.

Keywords

Womanist Theory, Qualitative Research, Snowball Sampling, Hidden and Marginalized Populations

Author Bio(s)

Dr. Xeturah Woodley is an assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at New Mexico State University, where she teaches instructional design and technology. Her research, teaching and service weave together Black womanist thought, critical race theory and social justice praxis as she interrogates the inherent biases that plague American higher education. Dr. Woodley’s research interests include Black womanist thought, critical pedagogies and social justice issues in higher education. Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: Xeturah M. Woodley at, xwoodley@nmsu.edu.

Ms. Megan Lockard is a doctoral student and research assistant in the College of Education at New Mexico State University. Her research interests include learning technologies, qualitative research methods and social justice in education. In addition to her doctoral work, Ms. Lockard is a community college educator and social justice advocate. Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: Megan Lockard at, melock14@nmsu.edu.

Publication Date

2-15-2016

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2198

Recommended APA Citation

Woodley, X. M., & Lockard, M. (2016). Womanism and Snowball Sampling: Engaging Marginalized Populations in Holistic Research. The Qualitative Report, 21(2), 321-329. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2198