Reflections on Qualitative Research with Muslim Families

Authors

  • Jonathan Scourfield Cardiff University
  • Asma Khan Manchester University
  • Sophie Gilliat-Ray Cardiff University
  • Sameh Oh Cardiff University

Keywords:

Children, family, Islam, Muslims, religious nurture

Abstract

Detailed accounts of fieldwork relationships can be helpful reading for those embarking on research with a similar population. In this spirit, the article presents reflections on the process of conducting qualitative research with 60 Muslim families. The main research aim was to describe and explain how children (aged 12 and under) are brought up to be Muslims. Fairly detailed reflections are presented about four main aspects of the research process: research team members’ identities and the implications of these, the recruitment of families to take part in the research, the conduct of fieldwork (interviews and observation) and the use of child-friendly techniques, such as interviews with young children, oral diaries and photo elicitation.

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Published

2012-12-14

Issue

Section

Fieldwork in Religion

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