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In Testing Times: Conducting an Ethnographic Study of UK Animal Rights Protesters

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  • Andrew Upton

Abstract

This article reflects upon the experience of conducting research into a UK-based, though internationally-renowned, animal rights group. The article firstly rationalizes the ethnographic research methodology used to approach Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC). Secondly, it describes the effect of unforeseen factors (from adverse media attention to ongoing criminal investigations) on the Author's ability to forge research relationships with informants within the movement, and how these challenges were overcome. Given the interdisciplinary focus of the project, this manuscript will be of interest to scholars wishing to investigate ‘hard-to-reach’ social groups, and particularly those who have written on reflexivity and power in research relationships.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Upton, 2011. "In Testing Times: Conducting an Ethnographic Study of UK Animal Rights Protesters," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 16(4), pages 13-21, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:16:y:2011:i:4:p:13-21
    DOI: 10.5153/sro.2442
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Andrew Finlay, 1999. "‘Whatever you Say Say Nothing’: An Ethnographic Encounter in Northern Ireland and its Sequel," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 4(3), pages 139-153, September.
    2. Sara Scott, 1998. "Here be Dragons: Researching the Unbelievable, Hearing the Unthinkable. A Feminist Sociologist in Uncharted Territory," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 3(3), pages 98-109, September.
    3. John S. McKenzie, 2009. "‘You Don't Know How Lucky you are to be Here!’: Reflections on Covert Practices in an Overt Participant Observation Study," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 14(2), pages 60-69, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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