Ethnography as Risky Business (Paperback)

Chris van der Borgh

ISBN 10: 1498598455 / ISBN 13: 9781498598453

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, Lanham, MD, 2020

About this Item

Paperback. Ethnography as Risky Business: Field Research in Violent and Sensitive Contexts offers a hands-on, critical appraisal of how to approach ethnographic fieldwork on socio-political conflict and collective violence, focusing on the global south. The volumes contributions are all based on extensive firsthand qualitative social science research conducted in sensitive--and often hazardous--field settings. The contributors reflect on real-life methodological problems as well as the ethical and personal challenges such as the protection of participants, research data and the ethnographic self. In particular, the authors highlight how risky ethnography requires careful maneuvering before, during, and after fieldwork on the basis of a situated ethics, yet also point to the rewards of such an endeavor. If these methodological, ethical and personal risks are managed adequately, the yields in terms of generating a deep understanding of, and critical engagement with, conflict and violence may be substantial. Ethnography as Risky Business addresses the issues that arise while carrying out ethnographic fieldwork on socio-political conflicts and collective violence with a focus on the global south. Drawing on real-life case studies, this work reflects on the ethical and personal challenges faced when conducting and reporting on "risky" ethnography. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781498598453

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Ethnography as Risky Business (Paperback)
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, Lanham, MD
• Publication Date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1498598455
• ISBN 13: 9781498598453
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Ethnography as Risky Business: Field Research in Violent and Sensitive Contexts offers a hands-on, critical appraisal of how to approach ethnographic fieldwork on socio-political conflict and collective violence, focusing on the global south. The volume’s contributions are all based on extensive firsthand qualitative social science research conducted in sensitive--and often hazardous--field settings. The contributors reflect on real-life methodological problems as well as the ethical and personal challenges such as the protection of participants, research data and the ‘ethnographic self’. In particular, the authors highlight how ‘risky ethnography’ requires careful maneuvering before, during, and after fieldwork on the basis of a ‘situated’ ethics, yet also point to the rewards of such an endeavor. If these methodological, ethical and personal risks are managed adequately, the yields in terms of generating a deep understanding of, and critical engagement with, conflict and violence may be substantial.

About the Author

Dirk Kruijt is Professor Emeritus of Development Studies at Utrecht University, and has previously served as an adviser at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and at several embassies in Latin America and the Caribbean. His previous books include 'Guerrillas: War and Peace in Central America' (Zed Books 2008) and, with Kees Koonings, 'Violence and Resilience in Latin American Cities' (Zed Books 2015).