Author: Chris Graham

QMJC #6 Write-up

Meeting #6 (April 2021) – Salerno Valdez et al. (2019)

In our sixth and final meeting on Tuesday 20 April, we discussed Salerno Valdez et al. How the U.S.-Mexico border influences adolescent substance use: Youth participatory action research using photovoice. The International Journal on Drug Policy, 73, 146–155. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.07.011

In this study, researchers developed a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) approach with a state-funded youth coalition group on the US/Mexico border to explore factors influencing adolescent substance use. Twenty three young people were trained as researchers, and carried out a “photovoice” study, using photographs they had taken to document what they perceived as environmental influences on their behaviour and that of their peers. Photos were used to generate discussion and develop recommendations to improve the environment in which the young people lived. This paper is a superb example of co-production of research, Participatory Action Research (PAR), as of the photovoice approach…… [Read on]

Dr Matt Smith

Read the full report on the SSA website

Alcohol Occasionals event report – March 2021

Alcohol-related violence and deprivation – Dr Carly Lightowlers and Lucy Bryant

In our third Alcohol Occasionals event of 2021 held on Tuesday 30 March, Dr Carly Lightowlers, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Liverpool & Lucy Bryant, Research and Policy Officer, Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) presented their research on alcohol-related violence and deprivation.

You can read the event report on the SHAAP website.

You can also watch the research presentations and the full recording with presentations and discussion/Q+A.

QMJC #5 Write-up

Meeting #5 (March 2021) – Brierley-Jones et al. (2014)

In our fifth meeting on Wednesday 24 March, we discussed Brierley-Jones et al. Habitus of home and traditional drinking: a qualitative analysis of reported middle-class alcohol use. Sociol Health Illn. 2014; 36(7): 1054-76. doi: 10.1111/1467-9566.12145

This qualitative paper explores attitudes, meanings and behaviours in relation to alcohol consumption among professional, managerial and clerical employees. The title clearly conveys the topic, indicating the paper will focus on alcohol use among middle-class people. The authors suggest that members of higher socioeconomic groups may build resistance to harmful effects of alcohol through healthy behaviours (e.g. diet, physical activity) and may not access relevant services until irreversible health damage has occurred. The study draws on Bourdieu’s (1984) conceptual framework, which suggests that choices of food and drink are aligned with one’s position in the class hierarchy. It describes the idea of “habitus” – a set of socially ingrained dispositions and practices, that explain the way people understand and respond to the world around them….. [Read on]

Dr Elena Dimova

Read the full report on the SSA website

Qualitative Methods Journal Club Meeting #6

SARN is supporting Professor Carol Emslie (SARN Co-Chair) and colleagues at the Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) Substance Use Research Group to host a series of the Society for the Study of Addiction (SSA) funded Qualitative Methods Journal Club (QMJC) from November 2020 – April 2021.

The QMJC highlights best practice through its selection of good quality qualitative research papers. After each meeting, a summary of the discussion from the Journal Club will be made available on the SSA website: https://www.addiction-ssa.org/hot-topic/qualitative-methods-journal-club/

In our sixth and final meeting on Tuesday 20 April, from 2pm-3:15pm BST on Zoom, we will be discussing:

Salerno Valdez E, et al. How the U.S.-Mexico border influences adolescent substance use: Youth participatory action research using photovoice. Int J Drug Policy. 2019; 73: 146-155. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.07.011 [PMC Full Text]

When reading, please consider / reflect on:

  • How might you apply these methods to your own area of research?
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the approaches?
  • Where do we draw the line between research and advocacy/engagement?

You must register to attend:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/qualitative-methods-journal-club-meeting-6-hosted-by-gcu-tickets-136999381839

Please read and reflect on the above paper and questions before the meeting.

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QMJC #4 Write-up

Meeting #4 (February 2021) – Thurnell-Read (2011)

In our fourth meeting on Tuesday 23 February, we discussed Thurnell-Read, T. 2011. ‘Common-sense’ research: Senses, emotions and embodiment in researching stag tourism in Eastern Europe. Methodological Innovations Online, 6(3), pp.39-49. doi: 10.4256/mio.2011.005

This fascinating study uses the stag weekend as a lens to explore men’s drinking, masculinities and the male body, adding to a relatively recent body of work which focuses on alcohol and men’s gendered identity […] Thurnell-Read (2011) draws on in-depth participant observation with eight groups of British men in Krakow old town centre who are ‘off the leash and out of control’ to question previous assumptions about men invariably being expected to demonstrate ‘manliness’ by ‘holding’ their drink and exerting control over their bodies…. [Read on]

Professor Carol Emslie

Read the full report on the SSA website