Centre for Organisations and Society Seminar with Dr Angela Mazzetti (Newcastle)

Conducting Qualitative Research in Transitional Contexts: When the Everyday Becomes the Sensitive

Abstract

In this seminar, I share some insights from my ethnographic and visual methods research undertaken over the past 15 years in various transitional settings. These have included studies of individual periods of identity transitions [such as career disruptions]; institutional periods of transition [such as institutional reform and industrial action] and societal periods of transition [such as the transition from conflict to peace]. I explore how conducting research in such transitional settings can be challenging for the researcher as even mundane discussions with participants can trespass into sensitive territory. I focus on four key challenges which emerge when individuals, institutions or societies are in a state of flux. These include: (1) gaining and sustaining participation; (2) maintaining participant anonymity; (3) researcher positionality; and (4) nomenclature. Through focusing on these key challenges, I explore topics such as the use of recording equipment, the use of photos and drawings, emotion work, and writing strategies. I hope that the seminar will be of interest to others researching in similar contexts.

Learn more about Dr Angela Mazzetti