Researching violence: Conducting risky fieldwork in dangerous spaces across Latin America and the Caribbean

The study explores the challenges and strategies of conducting risky fieldwork on violence in Latin America and the Caribbean.

It provides insights from academics who conducted research in these dangerous contexts, emphasizing the importance of safety, ethical considerations, and identity factors.

This article by Blake (2020) examines the historical and contemporary factors contributing to violence in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), tracing its roots from colonialism and independence battles to Cold War political turbulence and the cocaine trade. The study presents the experiences of 13 academics conducting fieldwork on violence in the LAC region, including ethnographic insights from the author’s research in Kingston, Jamaica. The findings highlight the environmental, ethical, and identity challenges of conducting research in dangerous contexts. Blake outlines "prefieldwork" and "during fieldwork" strategies to enhance the safety of researchers and participants during qualitative fieldwork.

Key content

Key takeaways from the resource include:

Method

Sampling

A purposive sampling strategy targeted 25 academics experienced in qualitative fieldwork on violence in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Thirteen academics participated, providing a representative sample based on research type, geographical focus, and professional associations.

Data collection

Data were gathered using an online survey with 11 open-ended questions covering demographics, research objectives, accessibility strategies, challenges faced, nature of violence, impact of identity, and safety measures. The survey was distributed via email, ensuring anonymity through the use of pseudonyms.

Ethical considerations

Ethical considerations included ensuring participant anonymity, obtaining informed consent, and minimizing risks to participants. The survey emphasized voluntary participation and guaranteed confidentiality. The author also reviewed their own fieldwork data for additional insights.

Data analysis

The data were analyzed using grounded theory and constant comparative analysis to identify patterns and themes. Over 20 coding labels were developed, with both a priori and emergent codes, to categorize data and identify major themes.

Issues of internal validity

Internal validity was enhanced by triangulating findings with existing literature, peer debriefing, member checking, and an audit trail of codes and themes. The author’s own fieldwork notes were used to corroborate survey findings.

Results

Violence and research

Violence in the LAC region is linked to colonialism, economic inequality, drug trafficking, and political instability. Respondents observed violence from drug gangs, inter-gang rivalries, and state forces, impacting their ability to collect data and posing personal risks.

Strategies for accessibility

Researchers used a combination of formal and informal strategies to gain access to participants and sites, including formal requests, referrals, gatekeepers, and community connections. These strategies helped build trust and navigate the dangerous research environments.

Safety measures

Safety measures included pre-entry risk assessments, building rapport with locals, flexible scheduling, and avoiding high-risk areas. Researchers emphasized the importance of personal safety, institutional support, and community networks to mitigate risks.

Identity and fieldwork

Identity markers like race, gender, and nationality significantly influenced researchers' access and safety. Female researchers faced gender-based challenges, while race and nationality impacted trust and accessibility in different ways. Researchers had to navigate these dynamics carefully.

Discussion

Risky spaces: Latin America and the Caribbean

Violence in the LAC region stems from a combination of political conflicts, drug trafficking, organized crime, and state-led violence. The study highlights the complex and dangerous environments researchers face, which require tailored strategies for each context.

Fieldwork in dangerous places

Conducting fieldwork in dangerous contexts demands flexibility, cultural competence, and ethical considerations. Researchers must be prepared for the unique challenges of each site, employ effective safety measures, and adapt their methods to ensure data quality and personal safety.

Race, gender, and nationality

Gender, race, and nationality play crucial roles in shaping the fieldwork experience. Female researchers and those from certain racial or national backgrounds faced specific challenges and risks. Understanding these dynamics is essential for navigating access and ensuring safety in the field.

Self-care

Self-care is critical for researchers working in dangerous contexts. The emotional toll of fieldwork can be significant, necessitating support systems, mental health strategies, and breaks to maintain well-being. Researchers should prioritize both physical safety and mental health.

Limitations and future research

Limitations

The study's purposive sampling limited the diversity of experiences, and the use of online surveys restricted follow-up questions. The focus on LAC region may not capture challenges in other areas.

Future research

Future research should include comparative studies across different regions and examine the impact of additional identity factors like age. More research on how race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and age influence fieldwork experiences would enrich the understanding of qualitative research in conflict zones.