Fieldwork in the Gay World: Issues in Phenomenological Research

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Abstract
Field research in the gay world is shaped by two factors: the secrecy of many gay groups and the stigmatization both of gays and of researchers who study them. In the context of the stigmatization of gays, researchers must be particularly careful about the protection of respondents' identities. The literature on role playing in the field, entree, trust, and research bargains does not adequately portray the processual and problematic character of field work negotiations. Researchers cannot select and play a role, since others cast them into a variety of roles. Entree into public gay settings is easy; entree into more private arenas depends upon the establishment of interpersonal relationships. The major research bargain in informal relations is identical to that in everyday life; a mutual exchange of interest and interaction.

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