A performative paradigm for post-qualitative inquiry

TLDR

The authors propose a performative research paradigm for post‑qualitative and artistic inquiry, framing knowledge as an ongoing creation through researcher entanglement with the phenomenon and the wider world. They develop this paradigm by extending Haseman’s 2006 performative manifesto with friction‑led research processes, non‑representational theories, and post‑qualitative methodologies. The paradigm creates a space for movement, artistic freedom, experimentation, and inclusion, while provoking a rethinking of research norms and positioning learning, becoming, and knowing as continuous processes.

Abstract

In this article, the authors explore and contribute to producing a performative research paradigm where post-qualitative as well as artistic research might dwell and breathe. Entering a thread of discussion that started with Haseman’s A manifesto for performative research in 2006, and building on their own friction-led research processes at the edges of qualitative research, the authors plug in with performativity, non-representational theories and methodologies, post-qualitative inquiry and post approaches. A performative paradigm for post-qualitative inquiry is proposed, where knowledge is viewed as knowledge-in-becoming as the constant creation of difference through researcher entanglement with the research phenomenon and wider world. A performative paradigm produces a space for movement, (artistic) freedom, (post-qualitative) experimentation and inclusion. A performative research paradigm also offers provocations that shake long-established notions about what research is and should be. Within a performative research paradigm, learning/be(com)ing/knowing is always in-becoming – as is the performative paradigm itself.