Methodological dilemmas: gatekeepers and positionality in Bradford

• Published in: Ethnic and racial studies Vol. 31; no. 3; pp. 543 - 562
• Main Authors: Sanghera, Gurchathen S, Thapar-Björkert, Suruchi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Colchester Taylor & Francis Group 01.03.2008; Taylor & Francis; Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: Anthropological methodology; Bradford; Cultures and civilizations; England; Ethnic relations. Racism; ethnic riots; Ethnicity; Ethnographic research; Ethnography; Field work; Fieldwork; gatekeepers; Gatekeeping; Identity; Immigrants; Methodological Problems; Muslims; Pakistani Muslims; positionality; Racial identity; Religious beliefs; Researcher Subject Relations; Riots; Sociology; South Asian Cultural Groups; United Kingdom; Pakistan; Bradford England; ethnie riots; Religious Community; Methodology; Bradford; Pakistani Muslims; Identity; ethnography; gatekeepers; positionality

This paper explores the ever-evolving relationship between gatekeepers and the researcher, and the ways in which it may facilitate, constrain or transform the research process by opening and/or closing the gate. We explore the methodological issue of positionality and discuss the ways in which gatek...