NCJ Number
190260
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 41 Issue: 3 Dated: Summer 2001 Pages: 536-548
Editor(s)
Geoffrey Pearson
Date Published
2001
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Through covert research, this article studied those individuals employed as private security guards in pubs, bars, and clubs. The study explored a culture that was seen grounded in violence and through this covert study a better understanding of the culture was acquired.
Abstract
This study attempted to uncover a culture of male expression heavily reliant on physicality and violence. This study sought to address some of the pragmatic and ethical issues encountered when researching violence by focusing on those individuals employed as private security guards in pubs, bars, and clubs ('bouncers' or doormen). It was apparent that to truly understand the occupational culture of bouncers it would be necessary to fashion a form of covert access. A researcher with both the academic knowledge and the social and cultural skills considered necessary to carry out covert ethnography in a potentially dangerous setting was recruited. As the researcher became more conversant with the environment, acting like a bouncer became almost second nature and the covert role easy to maintain. The researcher found that some aspects of being 'one of the boys' were easier than others and this related to his cultural knowledge and background. Most importantly, involvement in some violent incidents was simply unavoidable. Saying 'no' to violence in this environment was simply not an option, and being on the receiving end of violence was distinctly possible, placing ethical considerations into perspective. References