Overview
- Offers an original and distinctive approach to combining sociological, legal, methodological and ethical issues
- Draws on the author’s first-hand experience of using the FOIA in his research to collect information that public bodies were reluctant to disclose
- Provides a key point of reference for those concerned with the potential for the Freedom of Information Act to serve as a research tool for critical social science
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About this book
Public mistrust of those in authority and failings of public organisations frame disputes over attribution of responsibility between individuals and systems. Exemplified with examples, including the Aberfan disaster, the death of Baby P, and Mid Staffs Hospital, this book explores parallel conflicts over access to information and privacy.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows access to information about public organisations but can be in conflict with the Data Protection Act, protecting personal information. Exploring the use of the FOIA as a research tool, Sheaff offers a unique contribution to the development of sociological research methods, and debates connected to privacy and secrecy in the information age. This book will provide sociologists and social scientists with a fresh perspective on contemporary issues of power and control.
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Keywords
Table of contents (6 chapters)
Authors and Affiliations
About the author
Mike Sheaff is Associate Professor in Sociology at the University of Plymouth, UK.
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: Secrecy, Privacy and Accountability
Book Subtitle: Challenges for Social Research
Authors: Mike Sheaff
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-11686-6
Publisher: Palgrave Pivot Cham
eBook Packages: Social Sciences, Social Sciences (R0)
Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2019
Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-030-11685-9Published: 24 July 2019
eBook ISBN: 978-3-030-11686-6Published: 13 July 2019
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: VIII, 151
Number of Illustrations: 1 illustrations in colour
Topics: Methodology of the Social Sciences, Social Justice, Equality and Human Rights, Socio-legal Studies, Business Ethics