Emerging from two decades of research with Gypsy / Romani / Traveller communities in the UK, this presentation explores some of the methodological issues that have arisen. In particular, the article focuses on specific methodological and epistemological issues arising from a research project with two Gypsy communities (2010-2012) in the South West of England (Levinson, 2014). Although the two communities seem to share cultural roots and values, and live within a few miles of each other, they have contrasting experiences within the education system and very different relationships with the surrounding mainstream communities. The relationships between the two communities are problematic. The presentation explores certain difficulties emerging during a project in which different conceptions of research (and outcomes) across the research team were never fully resolved. In particular, the article considers the tensions between ethnographic work and participatory action research, considering the blurred boundaries between them. It also reflects on the difficulties of carrying out sustained and consistent participatory research with two communities that proved to be quite different in terms of the desire for engagement. Finally, consideration is given to the ways in which research could be carried out with such groups. The author argues for willingness on the part of for researchers to take greater risks, handing over more control to participants at all stages of research. At the same time, the author explores the risks in prioritising the interests of some community members of others.

Levinson, M.P. (2014): “What’s the plan?” “What plan?” Changing aspirations among Gypsy youngsters, and implications for future cultural identities and group membership, British Journal of Sociology of Education, 35:4, pp. 1-21