The problem of defining the concept ’hard to reach’ is discussed, highlighting the lack of clarity. The origins and usage of the term, particularly in social marketing and social research are investigated. The hard to reach groups of the population are identified with a table defining the main characteristics.

The report is a working paper from the Institute for Social Research, Swinburne University, Victoria, Australia. The research was carried out in order to look into the background, origins and meaning of the term ‘hard to reach’, and to consider how this might be useful to local councils targeting hard to reach sections of the community.

The methodology primarily involves a review of literature using the term ‘hard to reach’, and an investigation into some approaches to sampling the 'hard to reach'.

The groups that are considered ‘hard to reach’ based on demographic characteristics and attitudinal aspects include:

Demographic, cultural, behavioural/attitudinal, and structural characteristics of hard to reach groups are defined in a table which also provides details of the attributes of these groups and examples of the people involved.

Institute for Social Research
Swinburne University PO Box 218
VIC 3122 Australia
isr@swin.edu.au

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01/01/2007

Nichola Brackertz

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Citizens' participation