Gatekeepers and Keymasters: Dynamic Relationships of Access in Geographical Fieldwork

Abstract

ABSTRACT. This article contributes to a recent and growing body of literature exploring the nature of fieldwork in human geography. Specifically, we critically examine the role of gatekeepers in providing access to “the field,” based on existing conceptualizations of gatekeepers in the literature and on our own experiences with gatekeepers. We argue that the concept of gatekeepers has been oversimplified, in that relationships between researchers and gatekeepers are often assumed to be unidirectional—with gatekeepers controlling or providing access by researchers—and predominantly static in form and time. Although we accept the necessity and advantages of working through gatekeepers, our experiences suggest that relationships with them are highly complex and evolve over time, with sometimes unexpected implications for research. In gathering and analyzing data, researchers become gatekeepers themselves, what we are calling “keymasters.” Reconceptualizing the gatekeeper‐researcher relationship will contribute to ongoing efforts to more fully understand field‐workers as undertaking a practice inherently political, personal, and linked to the production of knowledge.

Comparative urban research and mass participation running events: methodological reflections

“…The success of the interviews was overwhelmingly due to the exceptional helpfulness of the General Manager of the race office, who acted as the kind of 'facilitative' gatekeeper you can only hope to encounter (Campbell et al, 2006). The story was sadly not the same in Newcastle as, while Nova was happy to provide access passes to observe the race and talk to volunteers on the day, they were evasive about granting permission to interview their Newcastle employees.…”

Close encounters: researching intimate lives in Europe

“…These fieldwork experiences, the ensuing negotiations that we engaged in to recruit participants, and the data that we collected all point to the fact that the study of intimacy and personal life cannot be disjoined from considerations for and explorations of the multiple contexts, identities and affiliations that constitute and shape people's lived lives. The discussion of the challenges we encountered in the processes of gaining access to and recruiting participants for our study also further emphasises the points made by other researchers (Magolda 2000;Campbell et al 2006;Wanat 2008) about the fact that ethnographic fieldwork is rarely linear and discrete, that negotiations of access are an aspect of the research process that run throughout the collection of data, extending well into the interview, and carried out by both researcher and researched. As mentioned earlier, placing and positionality informed the ways in which our respondents decided to tell us the story of their lives, often putting emphasis on their cultural contexts to facilitate our better informed access and understanding of their life choices and experiences of intimate life.…”

Caught in the Same Net? Small-Scale Fishermen's Perceptions of Fisheries Interactions with Sea Turtles and Other Protected Species

“…This would be the "gatekeeper, " that is the person who was in a position to directly or indirectly facilitate access to potential respondents (Campbell et al, 2006). This would typically be the President of the local Fishermen's Association or an older, more experienced fisherman.…”

“…We identified the "gatekeeper" by contacting the local Coast Guard Station, by visiting the Fishermen's Association Office (if available) or by directly asking fishermen during our first visit at the port. Connecting with and securing endorsement from these "gatekeepers" contributed to establishing a better rapport with local fishermen, and increased general willingness to participate (Campbell et al, 2006). We then proceeded with interviewing other fishermen, typically approaching boat skippers/owners first.…”