Navigating qualitative research in a security state : lessons learned from an Egyptian oral history project / Carol Gray.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gray, Carol, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Authoritarianism--Egypt--Research--Case studies.

Authoritarianism.

Confidential communications--Research--Egypt--Case studies.

Confidential communications.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

London : SAGE Publications Ltd, 2026.

Summary:

This case study provides tips for navigating oral history principles and best practices while researching politically sensitive topics within a security state. The research project, based on more than 50 interviews, interviewed members of one of Egypt’s leading human rights organizations in the wake of the Arab Spring with the goal of writing the history of that organization. Research in authoritarian countries may bring with it increased risk for researchers and interviewees during all stages of research. Creating risk assessments and plans to mitigate such risks early in the research process is advisable. In this case study, I describe problems I encountered from Egyptian security forces, precautions I took that ultimately saved critical and irreplaceable data, and some precautions I wish I had taken had I realized the dangers involved and the techniques used by security forces. This case study educates researchers about areas of concern when authoritarian governmental practices hinder ethical norms in oral history. It offers strategies for troubleshooting the dilemma of conflicting ethical standards due to surveillance tactics and government repression that create potential harm for both narrators and researchers. Lastly, I offer concrete proposals for how to minimize risk emphasizing the need for researchers to be prepared to suddenly pivot if their prior research plans are thwarted by government forces. It may be necessary to rethink metrics defining success, recognizing the importance of continuing to do research in high-risk zones though the process may be difficult to navigate and the results may be uncertain.

Notes:

Description based on XML content.

ISBN:

9781036253127

OCLC:

1594889115

Publisher Number:

T303028