Establishing Rapport with Deviant Groups

Under the best of conditions, participant observation poses problems in which complex human and methodological considerations are inextricably entwined. Among the most problematic of these considerations are the necessary processes by which the investigator establishes and maintains rapport with his subjects. If there exists a large gap in social background between the investigator and his subjects and if the subjects are unusually hostile and suspicious, gaining ongoing rapport often becomes an especially formidable task. This paper draws on the field experiences of the authors as long-term participant-observers of juvenile delinquents and drug addicts, in order to present what we feel to be useful suggestions for handling some of the problems that typically arise in the attempts to establish rapport with distrustful groups that also differ considerably in life style, presumably, from the typical social scientist.