Our Book of the Month Choice for August

The SSL ‘Book of the Month’ feature highlights a book in our collection that has been chosen by one of our Subject Consultants. This may be a recent addition to our stock or an existing item that we would like to share with you.

 

Research methods in conflict settings:  a view from below

by Dyan E Mazurana & Karen Jacobsen

Cambridge University Press, 2013

eBook available here

 

 

August’s book of the month was selected by Sarah Rhodes, Subject Consultant for International Development and Forced Migration Studies.

 

 

Why was it chosen?

It was chosen to consider the additional challenges faced by researchers in undertaking research in the ever-changing and heightened sensitivities of conflict zones.

Book Overview

Increasing numbers of researchers are now working in regions experiencing high levels of conflict or crisis, or among populations that have fled violent conflict to become refugees or internally displaced persons. Understanding these conflicts and their aftermath should be shaped not only by the victors and their elite companions but also by the local people whose daily lives become intertwined with the conflict – and it is this “view from below” that this volume’s authors seek to share. However, conducting rigorous research in these kinds of field contexts presents a range of ethical, methodological, logistical, and security challenges not usually confronted in non-conflict field contexts. This volume compiles a rich variety of lessons learned by experienced field researchers, many of whom have faced demanding situations characterized by violence, profound and well-grounded distrust, and social fragmentation. The authors’ offer options, ideas, and techniques for studying the situations of people affected by conflict and, by focusing on ethical and security issues, seek ways to safeguard the interests and integrity of the research “subjects” and of the researchers and their teams.

How can I access it?

An eBook of this title is available via SOLO. Oxford University staff and students can access it remotely by logging into SOLO with their SSO.

What would your SSL Book of the Month be? Do you have a favourite book in our collection? If so, we would love to know what it is. Add a comment below or email us.

 

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