Thesis troubles

Derrick Callan
Aug 4, 2016
2 min read

So based on my last blog post, I talked about the difficulties with research participation and how that is affecting my research. I went into a type of research methodology that advocates a different way when working with the Maori population. However, while those principles are integral to the success of doing research in New Zealand, being anti-oppressive such as they are, I still needed to focus my research.

My current research has shown there are different ways to exclude people from public spaces, and especially with the visibly homeless, there are three categories that could be made.

Regulations- what are the policies and bylaws that restrict behaviour in public spaces. Are there regulations on living activities, zoning bylaws, and how services are funded.
Services- what services are provided, where are they located, and are there regulations that affect where and what services can be provided. What is the cost to access these services and are they a barrier.
Practices- how are the regulations being enforced, or are they being strictly enforced at all. Do citizens and business treat homeless individuals differently. Are there physical barriers that limit or push the homeless individuals away.

Looking at all three, on such a large scale, is probably too large of a study to do for a thesis. Most likely, I will be providing ideas for future research. Paired with the participation issues, it has been decided to narrow the research question a little more. I decided to look at a more qualitative view of people who are homeless and how their life can be affected by regulating public spaces.

New Research Question: How local government’s policies on public spaces affect the way individuals who are visibly homeless live their life.

In regards to ethical research, I do not have to change much in order to make my research instruments fit my new question. I am going to be interviewing people who are homeless to a large degree just as I was before. Some questions and the consent form will have to be changed a bit, but overall, it remains much the same, just a little different.

Here goes a project that will hopefully provide me with enough information I need and can contribute to the subject as a whole.

Download the new thesis question document - Thesis Question.docx