Following Young Fathers Further is a 4-year qualitative longitudinal and participatory study exploring the lives and support needs of young fathers, funded by UKRI. The pandemic has required us all to adapt our research in various ways. In this presentation, the research team will talk through some of our reflections on interviewing and conducting research at a distance. We began with a series of questions; how do we ensure inclusivity and adhere to principles of participation and co-production? Which technological formats are accessible and valuable to young fathers? How do we access participants and build relationships at a distance? In tackling these questions, we worked closely with our project partners to rapidly develop a new research strategy. In our presentation we will briefly reflect on both the ethics and practicalities of fieldwork at a distance focusing on themes of connection and connectivity. Researching from a distance has provided an opportunity to try new methods and to critically reflect on our methodological practice. At the heart of our approach is a commitment to core ethical principles and a responsibility of care towards our participants.


Dr Linzi Ladlow, School of Social and Political Sciences
Dr Laura Way, School of Social and Political Sciences
Dr Anna Tarrant, School of Social and Political Sciences