Working with older women in research: Some methods‐based issues

Abstract

Commentators have highlighted the growing political and research interest in user involvement, with particular reference to social policy (Kemshall & Littlechild, 2000). Beresford (2002) has noted the tendency to present it as a ‘good thing’ pointing out, however, that it has both liberatory but also regressive potential. At the same time, Barnes (2001) has illuminated the limitations of ‘mainstream’ theory and practice in user participation in their failure to accommodate emotional experience, storytelling and diverse debates, as well as to develop more creative ways of working.This paper describes elements of the above as part of a critical reflection on the experiences of working with older women from a range of communities in research. The focus is on the practicalities of setting up and carrying out the research, though implications for the process of policy‐making are also briefly highlighted.

Citation

Warren, L., Cook, J., Clarke, N., Hadfield, P., Haywood‐Reed, P., Millen, L., Parkinson, M., Robinson, J. and Winfield, W. (2003), "Working with older women in research: Some methods‐based issues", Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Vol. 4 No. 4, pp. 24-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/14717794200300025