Navigating the Affordances and Limits of Ethnographic Research in Exploring Career Development for Marginalised Youth in an Australian Flexible Learning Programme

Abstract

This chapter elaborates the selected affordances and limits related to a recent exploration of career development for marginalised youth enrolled in a flexible learning programme in South West Queensland, Australia. Establishing positive relationships with those involved at the research site can be easy when there is mutual understanding of the value of the research. However, this can also raise the potential for issues to occur when the stakeholders are focused on their positive stories being shared on a wider platform. The discourse that emerges through ethnography may tell a different story. Navigating these expectations requires insight and sensitivity, whilst adhering to the ethical issues and answering the research questions. The outcome in this situation draws on the reciprocity that can culminate from the research findings.