Fieldwork can be difficult when you are working in an area that you are not relaxed. Field workers need to have a general knowledge base about the area they are researching. Urban areas are not always welcoming. Language can be a barrier. “Among immigrants, despite assurances to the contrary, there were often concerns about the end-uses of the research, for example, the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants.
Finding consistency within the general area can be problematic. Follow-up can not be provided when people are moving in and out of the neighborhood frequently. That poses a huge issue for fieldworkers. Is the input provided by those living in low-income dwellings credible?
“During the data collection phase, student fieldworkers witnessed, for example, extreme poverty, overcrowding, housing degradation, evidence of hunger, disease, instances of severe inebriation, neglected children, evidence of assault and disability” . In order to overcome these issues, partnerships are important. The community needs to be actively engaged. Law enforcement must always be made aware of any fieldwork research in progress. Approval from local officials can also ease the tension.
