Front Door, Backdoor, No Door? An Exploration of Formal and Informal Means for Recruiting Unaccompanied Immigrant Youth for Research

Abstract

This article explores research conducted on unaccompanied immigrant youth (young adults who migrate without parents). Unaccompanied immigrant youth are a particularly challenging population to research due to characteristics of the population itself and the institutional barriers that are often constructed around the population. In this case study, I explore the difficulties I confronted in recruiting these youth for research. In particular, I compare the successes and failures I encountered using what I call "front door" and "backdoor" gatekeepers as means of access to this population. I argue that for some research populations, "backdoor" gatekeepers may sometimes be more helpful in recruiting participants.

locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles