Researching, Studying or Jumping through Hoops? Reflections on a PhD

This article draws on my current & past memories, on some of the literature around postgraduate research & study in higher education, & on some of the literature linked to the subject of the PhD. It begins by outlining the process of study, & indicates some of the benefits & drawbacks of returning to the student role. There follows some discussion of my marginal & shifting position in theoretical terms & how, in a numbers of ways, this mirrored the position of those I was researching. The article addresses some of the dilemmas that arose during the research, particularly in relation to age & sexuality, including problems of a restricted, adult perspective & the difficulties of involving children or young people in research. My impact as a researcher, & the influence of my appearance, use of language, & background as a social worker are also considered. The article suggests that what the PhD was really about was jumping through a series of hoops, particularly those created by myself. It concludes that personal reflection, particularly reflection on my own insecurities throughout the process, may continue to influence my personal & professional development. 72 References. Adapted from the source document.