The nature of qualitative inquiry means that researchers constantly have to deal with the unexpected, and all too often this means coping with the presence of danger or risk. Danger in the Field is an innovative and lively analysis of the experience of different forms of danger in various qualitative research settings. Made up of researchers' reflexive accounts of their own encounters with 'danger' whilst carrying out research, this book expands our common sense use of the term to encompass not just physical danger, but emotional, ethical and professional danger too. In addition the authors pay special attention to the gendered forms of danger implicit in the research process.
From the physical danger of researching the night club 'bouncer' scene to the ethical dangers of participant observation in an old people's home, these contributions provide researchers and students with thought provoking insights into the importance of a well chosen research design.

This book is an innovative and lively analysis of the experience of different forms of danger in various qualitative research settings. Made up of researchers' reflexive accounts of their own encounters with 'danger' whilst carrying out research, this book expands the common sense use of the term to encompass not just physical danger, but emotional, ethical and professional danger too. From the physical danger of researching the night club 'bouncer' scene to the ethical dangers of participant observation in an old people's home, these contributions provide researchers and students with thought-provoking insights into the potential pitfalls of research.

eBook available with sample pages: 020313611X

Globalization has intensified the pressures on poor women. They have resisted in both the North and the South in movements that are exclusively female and in others where women play a significant part. This book brings together scholars and organizers to record and analyze women's grassroots activism in two key areas: claims to livelihood and human rights. Through cases ranging from the British miners' strike to making gender central to the Guatemalan peace process, the book documents activists challenging the boundaries of prevailing assumptions of work, environment, reproduction, community, democracy and indeed politics. It contributes to the ongoing debate about the scope of women's movements, while demonstrating how women's activism around needs and rights is a crucial element in the global struggle for equality and justice. Essential reading for students and academics in women's studies, development, politics, sociology, geography and labour studies - as well as for activists everywhere.