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Getting lost in the field : the unpredictable nature of fieldwork with young people
This chapter focuses on the unpredictable nature of fieldwork with young offenders, specifically with those in a marginalised context. We begin by recounting our experiences working with young people who have had contact with criminal justice processes, particularly those who are the subject of extreme levels of official social control. We then turn to a discussion of the challenges associated with the unpredictable nature of fieldwork, specifically the difficulties associated with negotiating access with gatekeepers and negotiating with young people. We also discuss specific challenges with the research ethics governance of ethically sensitive research in this context (e.g. interviewing young people about offending behaviour). Finally, we recount our experiences in working these young people, with a focus on ‘the grunt’: that is, drawing out young peoples’ stories in interviews. We conclude with some reflections on the need to develop systematic instruction in qualitative work in this specific context.
History
Publication title
Qualitative Criminology : Stories from the FieldEditors
Bartels, Lorana and Richards, KellyPagination
106-115ISBN
9781876067243Department/School
School of Social SciencesPublisher
Hawkins PressPlace of publication
Annandale, NSWExtent
20Rights statement
Copyright 2011 The Federation PressRepository Status
- Restricted