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Methodological Dilemmas: Researching Violent Young Men in Medellín, Colombia

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posted on 2024-09-06, 05:27 authored by Adam Baird
This article highlights the main methodological problems and solutions encountered while researching violent young men in the marginalised north?eastern area of Medellín, Colombia. Using ethnographic methods, the research investigated how violent behaviour may be inherited, and its relationship to masculinities and youth. It asked how violence is transmitted to young men in both domestic and social spaces, and evaluated the relationship between marginalisation and social violence. Little has been written about how researchers can access violent actors who are reluctant to come forward or tell the truth, nor the ethical issues that arise when researching violent subjects in conflict contexts. This article explains how dangers were dealt with, but also how problems of accessing violent actors were overcome, and considers the ethical dilemmas.

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Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Citation

Baird, A. (2009) Methodological Dilemmas: Researching Violent Young Men in Medellín, Colombia. IDS Bulletin 40(3): 72-77

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IDS Bulletin Vol. 40 Nos. 3

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Article

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© 2009 The Author. Journal compilation © Institute of Development Studies

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    Volume 40. Issue 3: Development Studies – Past, Present and Future

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