Abstract
To what extent do gatekeepers, i.e. those who open doors, introduce you to interviewees in the field, provide office space or security, shape the fieldwork and determine the outcome of the research process? Based on her own experiences in studying rebel groups and their political transformations, the author candidly explores how specific gatekeeper communities provided access to specific forms of data and information. The chapter discusses the unforeseen challenges in relying on specific gatekeeper communities, such as internationals and civil society actors. It provides a fresh description of challenges and opportunities in navigating complex power dynamics in a post-war and post-disaster context.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
Notes
- 1.
It is also worth mentioning that it is not uncommon for researchers to be embedded with international organizations for the duration of their fieldwork. This can include relying on UN infrastructure to travel around in the field, live in UN compounds and travel with UN personnel to the field. I personally have no experience with being embedded with internationals and can therefore not relate any personal experiences. Some of the points raised in this chapter regarding consideration of expectations by gatekeepers of ownership to data or access to data is relevant for this type of researcher-gatekeeper relationship as well.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2021 The Author(s)
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Sindre, G.M. (2021). Gatekeepers. In: Mac Ginty, R., Brett, R., Vogel, B. (eds) The Companion to Peace and Conflict Fieldwork. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46433-2_16
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46433-2_16
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-46432-5
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-46433-2
eBook Packages: Political Science and International StudiesPolitical Science and International Studies (R0)