Working Paper

IDS Working Paper;487

Innovative Methods for Research on Social and Political Action in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings

Published on 1 June 2017

Fragile and conflict-affected settings present particular challenges for researchers seeking to study the effect of social and political action (SPA). These challenges are not simply due to prevalent violence and conflict, but contexts of insecurity can restrict the flow of information, key actors can be hard to identify, and if information can be found, vital pieces of the picture may be missing. This paper seeks to explore what particular combinations of empirical methods are best suited for research into three distinct aspects of SPA: the context in which it occurs, its type and nature, and the identification of pathways through which SPA can lead to empowerment and accountability. The paper assesses nine methodologies in order to suggest an effective and innovative mix of strategies to match to criteria in making decisions about how to study SPA in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

Cite this publication

Khan Mohmand, S. with Justino, P.; Dowd, C.; Scott-Villiers, P.; Befani, B.; Loureiro, M. and Shaw, J. (2017) Innovative Methods for Research on Social and Political Action in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings, IDS Working Paper 487, Brighton: IDS

Authors

Shandana Khan Mohmand

Cluster leader and Research Fellow

Patricia Justino

Professorial Fellow

Patta Scott-Villiers

Research Fellow

Miguel Loureiro

Research Fellow

Jackie Shaw

Research Fellow

Publication details

published by
IDS
authors
Khan Mohmand, S. with Justino, P., Dowd, C., Scott-Villiers, P., Befani, B., Loureiro, M. and Shaw, J.
journal
IDS Working Paper, issue 487
isbn
978-1-78118-371-7
language
English

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