Youth researchers explore new methodological challenges
Researchers from across the country recently met in the Social Sciences for a lively exploration of a range of new methodological challenges faced by sociologists of youth.
The event was organised by Professor Sue Heath on behalf of the British Sociological Association’s Youth Study Group and with sponsorship from Sage Publications. It brought together 30 researchers, including doctoral students and early career researchers, to consider some key methodological themes in contemporary youth research. Eight speakers contributed to the day, covering topics as diverse as mobile methods, participatory youth research, methods utilising Web 2.0 technologies, photography, art-based methods and musical elicitation (this last accompanied by a soundtrack provided by extreme heavy metal band ‘Darkthrone’!). Professor Christine Griffin from the University of Bath ended the seminar with some personal reflections on the day, highlighting the innovative nature of the work presented by the speakers, as well as some areas of continuity. The day also marked the recent publication of a new Sage textbook exploring the practice of youth research titled, Researching Young People’s Lives, by Sue Heath, Rachel Brooks, Elizabeth Cleaver and Eleanor Ireland.
To find out more about the book, please visit Sage publishing.