Spelen tussen de linies: Een strategie in etnografisch onderzoek naar veiligheid

Research questions influence the position of the ethnographer in relation to the field and its actors. The ethnographic strategy of a detailed study of a specific tribe, youth group, police department or subculture set an example for field work. However, to study the dynamics between local politicians, residents and professionals, a more dynamic research strategy is needed. Based on a comparative study of local safety in two disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Rotterdam and Antwerp, this article examines the potential of a dynamic position of the researcher between different actors instead of a more static position close by a specific actor (group). To study interaction in the field is to become part of this interaction and use reactions on ones presence in the field as data. I conclude that this dynamic position is a useful research strategy to collect data about social relations, social constructions of meaning and power relations in the context of safety.