A Zone for Deliberation? Methodological Challenges in Fields of Political Unrest

Abstract

This article outlines certain problems and challenges facing the qualitative researcher who enters fields that are either extremely difficult to access or potentially hostile towards outsiders. Problems and dilemmas in such contexts are highlighted by reference to fieldwork research among PKK (Kurdistan Worker’s Party) guerrillas in North Kurdistan, Turkey. The article is part of a larger study on knowledge production and identity development in the PKK. The theoretical foundation draws on the Freirian tradition that is also labelled emancipatory or liberating research. The article discusses challenges within this particular line of research and presents the idea of a ‘zone for deliberation’ as a potential arena for developing intersubjective understanding in cases when the experiences of informants and interviewer are culturally and politically diverse.