Author(s)

Ghanshyam Bishwakarma

University of Eastern Finland Joensuu Campus, Joensuu, Finland.

The present research explores the potential methodological challenges in conducting qualitative fieldwork using schoolgirls in Nepal as participants. It particularly focuses on the logistic, academic, and social challenges that impact on the scholarly inquiry into aspects of schooling and the wider society in rural Nepal. The participants in this study were schoolgirls, and school drop-outs girls (12 - 16 years old), from Dalit community in Nepal. Schoolchildren, both in school and school drop-outs particularly girls, are an invaluable source of information on society and schooling. Although school-aged girls have the right to express their views, perceptions, opinions, and competencies, as much as adults do. However, their participation in research activities has been very rare in Nepal. This research applies various methodological tools to carry out this qualitative study in the school setting in Nepal and highlights the challenges associated with these methodologies, particularly the challenges related to confidentiality and interactions when using children as research participants.

Methodological Challenge, Schoolchildren, Qualitative Research, Dalit, Nepal

Bishwakarma, G. (2017) Nepalese Schoolchildren as Research Participants: Challenges in Qualitative Research. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 5, 52-68. doi: 10.4236/jss.2017.51005.