Working with Others: Reflections on Fieldwork in Post-Conflict Societies

International Journal of Transitional Justice, 2019, 13, 2: 387-397.

Queen's University Belfast Law Research Paper No. 2022-08

11 Pages Posted: 13 Jun 2019 Last revised: 4 May 2022

See all articles by Cheryl Lawther

Cheryl Lawther

Queen's University Belfast - School of Law

Rachel Killean

The University of Sydney - Faculty of Law; Queen's University Belfast School of Law

Lauren Dempster

Queen's University Belfast

Date Written: May 30, 2019

Abstract

In this Note from the Field we reflect on the challenges of doing sensitive fieldwork in post-conflict and transitional societies. Our reflections are informed by sustained fieldwork with victims and perpetrators of violent conflict in a range of transitional jurisdictions. While undertaking this work, we have been acutely aware of the challenges raised by our own position in the field and by the power dynamics at play when working with partner organizations and speaking with vulnerable communities. Focusing on the themes of preparation, partners and positionality, this Note highlights the benefits and potential pitfalls of this style of qualitative work and seeks to encourage a more reflexive approach to working with victims and survivors of gross human rights violations.

Suggested Citation

Lawther, Cheryl and Killean, Rachel and Dempster, Lauren, Working with Others: Reflections on Fieldwork in Post-Conflict Societies (May 30, 2019). International Journal of Transitional Justice, 2019, 13, 2: 387-397., Queen's University Belfast Law Research Paper No. 2022-08, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3396696

Cheryl Lawther (Contact Author)

Queen's University Belfast - School of Law ( email )

Main Site Tower
Belfast, BT7 1NN
Northern Ireland

HOME PAGE: http://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/cheryl-lawther(8e3057ee-20c8-4ef8-8b7a-5ae427838695).html

Rachel Killean

The University of Sydney - Faculty of Law ( email )

New Law Building, F10
The University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW 2006
Australia

Queen's University Belfast School of Law ( email )

School of Law
Belfast BT7 1NN, BT7 1NN
Ireland

Lauren Dempster

Queen's University Belfast ( email )

25 University Square
Belfast, BT7 1NN
Ireland

Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?

Paper statistics

Downloads
37
Abstract Views
385
PlumX Metrics