Baljit Kaur
What are you currently researching?
My current research project is titled Mapping ‘the Streets’: Young Women Music Creatives and Violence in East London. It is a development of my doctoral research that was carried out between June 2019 and March 2020 at a youth club in East London. I was interested in exploring the ways in which working class young people used music, particularly rap music, to narrate their lived experiences of violence, and the role that youth clubs play in supporting and shaping rap cultures in London.
'Mapping ‘the Streets’ is a project that emerged from the invisibility and silencing of young women music artists and their stories in the youth club’s music studio. As a project that attempts to centre the co-production of knowledge, I worked with five young women of colour across four weeks, to collaborate on a short film and music track that amplifies their voices and tells their stories.
Why did you choose this area of study?
I have always been motivated by community work first. I arrived at my PhD after several years of intermittent youth work and other work in the domestic violence sector. I have always been interested in the study of violence, and the viability of community interventions accessible to marginalised groups.
How will your research have a wider impact on society? Can you give some real-world examples of the impact your research will have?
My research might be of interest to academics and researchers, but I would really like for my work to be accessible to young people, whether that is in school settings or in community settings like youth clubs. At present there is the consideration of anonymity, but I think that the kinds of questions and conversations my research brings up is important and necessary for young people, both on a pedagogical level and to inspire social change.
What have been the highlights of your research work so far?
I have really enjoyed developing my approach to doing research. My current project is quite different to my doctoral research in that I wanted young women to take the lead in activities and the direction of conversations. There was a very short time frame for the project, but even so, the collaborative nature of the project and the way in which these young women responded to that was so rewarding, and inspiring for future research.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
The biggest challenge in my work has always been ensuring the anonymity of my interlocutors. The topic of violence is incredibly sensitive, and in my conversations with young people, they speak about experiences that are personal and some of which have never been shared before. The trust to share these stories does rest on anonymity. The young women’s voices in the Mapping ‘the Streets’ short film and music track have been altered, but it is still a huge consideration and something that will take time to work through.
What advice would you give to prospective students on the most effective way to approach research and keep stress levels down?
I’m not sure whether I am best placed to give advice on how to keep stress levels down! I do think that institutional changes need to be made to ensure that expectations of prospective students are managed and that they are well-supported. I think being part of communities/groups on and off campus can be great for academic stimulation but also general support too, which I have found really helpful.
In a few words, what is the best thing about studying at LSE?
Generally, people are very welcoming and supportive, and I have a fantastic mentor (shout out to Dr Suki Ali!).