The quality of studies drawing primary data from terrorists and violent extremist respondents varies substantially, with this body of literature exhibiting a variety of repeating methodological issues. For instance, researchers often... more
The quality of studies drawing primary data from terrorists and violent extremist respondents varies substantially, with this body of literature exhibiting a variety of repeating methodological issues. For instance, researchers often uncritically accept interviewee responses at face value, overlook key theoretical insights, downplay or neglect potentially important explanatory variables, fail to offer sufficient information about their sampling methods, and deliver findings with inferences beyond what their sample allows. Indeed, certain studies demonstrate a number of these flaws, including the United Nations Development Programme’s recently published Journey to Extremism in Africa report. Within this context, the dual purposes of this article are (a) to discuss ways to overcome these specific methodological problems, and (b) to provide broader guidance for face-to-face research with such respondents.
Gatekeepers are those in a position to recognize, in others, potentially problematic presenting issues, and who are willing and able to connect those persons to relevant service providers. In the domain of violence prevention, they... more
Gatekeepers are those in a position to recognize, in others, potentially problematic presenting issues, and who are willing and able to connect those persons to relevant service providers. In the domain of violence prevention, they represent a network of those who can serve as ‘first responders’ with respect to helping those in need. Therefore, it is important to understand both the facilitators and inhibitors of gatekeeper intervention, or what has been termed ‘vicarious help-seeking:’ the intent to help others who appear in need of help, but who are not actively seeking help. The present set of studies demonstrated both an expansion of the theory of vicarious help-seeking and a replication of its original four tenets (Part 1). Part 2 examined how gatekeepers would prefer to intervene in a violence prevention context: their natural inclinations with respect to doing so. Part 3 examined reasons preventing gatekeepers from reaching out to a third-party for assistance. Part 4 further ...
Grassroots sports, the local implementation of a variety of sporting types, are the backbone and feedstock of all of the major sporting venues and organisations throughout the world. The ongoing pandemic is hitting grassroots sports hard,... more
Grassroots sports, the local implementation of a variety of sporting types, are the backbone and feedstock of all of the major sporting venues and organisations throughout the world. The ongoing pandemic is hitting grassroots sports hard, exacerbating inequalities with regard to access to sports activities, both on the ground and online. This multicentric collective case study presents an in-depth exploration of the social impact of COVID-19, learning from the experience of four grassroots sports organisations in Australia, India, South Africa, and Spain. The case study recounts experiences from a constantly changing and challenging scenario and provides examples of what these grassroots sports organisations have done to navigate, recover and even thrive out of their national emergencies amidst a global pandemic. The study exposed a real diversity of actions with differential outcomes for people from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Practical implications for grassroots programmes during times of unprecedented challenge and notable turning points are highlighted. Compliance with policies and strict protocols has, perhaps, forever, changed how children, young people, and adults engage in grassroots sports.
