Getting Close to Rwandans since the Genocide

Studying Everyday Life in Highly Politicized Research Settings

Bibliographic Data

ID2104021
AuthorsSusan Thomson (0000-0002-2784-7338, Hampshire College, corresponding author)
Year2010
Volume53
Issue3
Pages19-34
Publication date2010-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAfrican Studies Review (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0002-0206 • E-ISSN: 1555-2462
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0002020600005655
PMID21322899
OpenAlexW2171784289
LanguageEN
Citations received43
References cited14

Research with people in highly politicized research settings illuminates the gap between the images that most African governments strive to represent and the sociopolitical realities of everyday life. This article discusses the opportunities and challenges of doing research in postgenocide Rwanda and is a useful resource for researchers contemplating their own projects under such conditions, whether in Rwanda or elsewhere. It discusses the importance of creating personal relationships and meeting people on their terms, as well as such topics as the identification of the research site, building rapport and trust with respondents, safeguarding anonymity and confidentiality, and working with local research assistants and partners

Anonymity · Confidentiality · Criminology · Everyday life · Political science · Public relations · Resource (disambiguation · Safeguarding · Sociology · Cambodian History and Society · Law · Middle East and Rwanda Conflicts · Peacebuilding and International Security

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