I'd like to look at the sociological angle given half a chance and a budget. I'd be interested in the personal aspect of this, for example, what sort of people like folk music, why do they, what makes them get up and perform in front of a room full of people?
I'd maybe look at various folk clubs and how they vary from country to country,... if they do, in depth interviews with audience members and performers,the unique aspects of a music genre that appears to trancend age, class and nationality in a way that no other form of music can claim.....and why it's regarded as slightly jokey by non-fans.
And perhaps a flying visit to the Mudcat, and a look at it's whys, wherefores and people......actually, we could do a whole series just on that and still not cover all of it!