Dilemmas of Difference and the Politics of Comparison: Cross-Cultural Research on Dementia

Authors

  • Keri Chater

Abstract

This paper examines some of the theoretical and methodological issues that were raised when I undertook cross-cultural research on dementia. The main concern addressed in this paper is the difficulty of representation within cultural groups. The paper contends that whilst representation can lead to perceived homogenization of a group, thus blurring intragroup differences, it is at times expedient to use this method in order to further the cause of that group. This paper proposes a way of presenting findings that, whilst meeting the aims of the research, compromises neither the participants nor the researcher. This paper also represents part of the decision trail the author left while carrying out the research.

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Published

1996-04-13

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Section

Articles