Using Mixed Methods From a Communicative Orientation: Researching With Grassroots Roma. (July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Flecha, Ramon
• Other Names: Sorde Marti Teresa guest-editor.; Mertens Donna M. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of mixed methods research. Volume 8:Number 3(2014:Jul.)
• Page Start: 245
• Page End: 254
• Publication Date: 2014-07
• Subjects: communicative orientation -- grassroots Roma -- social transformation; Mixed methods research -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Research -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; 507.21
• DOI: 10.1177/1558689814527945
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1558-6898

Abstract

Over a decade ago, researchers in Roma studies shifted their approach, from an exclusionary stance to a more communicative one. Despite major positive changes since then, researchers still do not adequately reflect the voices of the majority of the world's Roma. In this article, we draw on a communicative mixed methods case study, conducted within the INCLUD-ED project in one of Spain's most underprivileged neighborhoods, to show how it was possible to engage in intersubjective dialogue with grassroots Roma throughout the entire research process. Through such engagement, it is possible to develop new knowledge that can transform local conditions, as they shift from diagnosing social exclusion to identifying the approaches that work best to reduce it.