The Politics of Talk about Schools: Power Relations in Qualitative Research with Children

• In Event: Complicating Qualitative Data: Philosophy, Politics, and Power

Abstract

This paper examines power relations connected to the qualitative study of elementary and middle school children in urban schools. What do adults imagine that young children can know about school? What does it mean to consult with children in a qualitative action research project? What do adult researchers have to negotiate in order to work with young people? The paper addresses these questions in the context of a two-year qualitative action research project where elementary and middle school students made films to tell visual stories about their urban schools. We examine the issues raised when we positioned ourselves (always as adults) to listen to students as collaborators.

Authors

• Sari K. Biklen, Syracuse University

• Nicole Nguyen, Syracuse University