Fieldwork & Invisible Populations Elites, Blending, and Virtual Snowballs

• In Event: Poster Session: Women and Politics Research II; Sexuality and Politics; Health Politics and Policy & Representation and Electoral Systems
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Sexuality and Politics

Abstract

In depth interviews are challenging in the best of circumstances. "Invisible" populations, those who are at the periphery of society, who fear disclosure,risk legal or social consequences if discovered, and whose locations are not open and obvious, present special challenges. Among those challenges are mistrust of outsiders, pressures to to remain invisible, and a lack of desire to be exposed. We present our experiences and approach for engaging with non-traditional sexual minority populations including nudists, furries, polyamorists, and those in the BDSM lifestyle. We specifically show the valuable role of elites in making the initial contact and leverage social media as we innovate with "virtual snowball" interviews.

Authors

• Charles Smith, University of California, Irvine

• Shawn Richard Schulenberg, Marshall University