Getting in amongst it: BSA Postgraduate Forum on interventionist and covert methodologies
A BSA Postgraduate Forum Event
31 May 2024 (10:00-16:00)
City, University of London, UK
About the Event
"We desperately need methodology to keep us upright, while we navigate a terrain that moves and shifts even as we attempt to traverse it” (Burawoy, 1998:4).
As researchers, does our presence necessarily require intervention? How can we make these interventions more intentional? Whilst covert research is conducted only as a last resort, studies with field sites where this method is necessary are increasing (Woodcock, 2016; Calvey, 2017; Cant, 2019). With a rise in the use of covert ethnographic methods, particularly in empirical research informed by Marxism, it is crucial that there is an urgent assessment of this methodology, its ethical implications, as well as its results. We consider this as central to sociological concerns, especially as sociologists who study precarious workplaces from the perspective of workers. The event will offer a space for postgraduate research students to reflect on their methodological practice, work through issues they have faced, and foster an emergent research community among peers.
A closing keynote address will be given by Dr David Calvey, Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Manchester Metropolitan University.
Call for Papers
This call for papers is for postgraduate research students who are interested in the question of interventionist and/or covert methodologies. We invite PGR students from all relevant disciplines to submit abstracts on the topic. We are particularly interested in abstracts addressing either a theoretical approach to the question of methodology, or papers that present empirical data collected via interventionist and/or covert methodologies.
Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words and submitted via this form. Deadline for submission is the 28 April 2024 and we aim to reply to applicants by the 3 May.
Registration
This event is free to attend but registration is required. Lunch and refreshments will be provided on the day.
If you require any assistance travelling to the event or have any dietary requirements please let the organisers know. There is a small budget to assist PGR students attending, we will prioritise students without access to funding.
Contact the Organisers
Please contact the organisers, Lydia Hughes and George Briley, with any queries about the event.