Qualitative Methods in Military Studies: Research Experiences and Challenges

This book examines the methodology of qualitative research in military studies. Comprising essays by international scholars, the volume discusses the methodological questions raised by the use of qualitative research techniques in military settings. On the one hand, it focuses on the specificity of the military as a social context for research: the authors single out and discuss the particular field effects produced by institutional arrangements, norms and practices of the military. On the other, the authors proceed in an empirical manner: all methodological questions are addressed with regard to concrete situations of field research. The book addresses a variety of topics and discusses the use of different research methods and techniques. These topics include the researcher's entry in the field; the organisational culture of the military; institutional frames for research;patterns of interaction and research relationships; the way hierarchy and discipline, two pillars of the military institution, affect the course of the research; gender-related dynamics; the 'insider' and 'stranger' status of the researcher; the publishing of research results; and ethical challenges of applied contract research. Among the variety of methods and techniques that stand out are ethnographic and anthropological field research, direct and participant observation, in-depth interviewing and focus-group, document and content analyses and comparative research. This book will be of much interest to students of military studies, research methods, sociology, anthropology, war and conflict studies and Security Studies in general.