Navigating identities and emotions in the field: a local researcher’s strategies in Northern Ireland

Journal article


Rafferty, R. 2017. Navigating identities and emotions in the field: a local researcher’s strategies in Northern Ireland. Journal of Conflict Transformation & Security.
AuthorsRafferty, R.
Abstract

Divided societies like Northern Ireland present methodological challenges for researchers due to the roles that mutually-opposing group identities play in shaping social interactions. These challenges, which are heightened for local researchers due to their status as insiders to the conflict, can be overcome to some degree through the careful development of methodological strategies based on a reflexive approach. This article presents the case of a qualitative interviewing project undertaken by a local researcher that involved different identity groups in post-violence Northern Ireland. It examines the methodological challenges encountered because of the identitied and emotional nature of the research, and it shares successful strategies both for building rapport with a wide variety of participants and for eliciting responses during the discussion of sensitive topics. A reflexive approach is shown as important in enabling local researchers in divided societies to conduct rigorous and trustworthy research.

Keywordsfield research, divided societies, identities, emotions, reflexivity
Year2017
JournalJournal of Conflict Transformation & Security
PublisherCesran International
ISSN2041 -1944
Web address (URL)http://hdl.handle.net/10545/624655
hdl:10545/624655
Publication datesApr 2017
Publication process dates
Deposited03 Apr 2020, 15:12
Accepted2017
ContributorsUniversity of Otago
File
File Access Level
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https://repository.derby.ac.uk/item/924z0/navigating-identities-and-emotions-in-the-field-a-local-researcher-s-strategies-in-northern-ireland

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