Everyday power dynamics and hierarchies in qualitative research: The role of humour in the field

Abstract

Negotiating the relationships influenced by a combination of identity markers during fieldwork is an important aspect of qualitative data co-creation. Based on ethnographic research with the canal boating and enthusiast communities in the UK, this paper focuses on the mundane power dynamics and hierarchies in research situations. The paper discusses the role of humour in negotiating the interpersonal dynamics and argues for the consideration of power (im)balances in the field beyond assumptions of the researcher as definitely the advantaged side. Joking plays an important role and is used by both research participants and researchers to level the researcher–participant hierarchies as well as to reproduce and reaffirm them. This takes place on a conceptual continuum: first, in terms of their relative rigidity, whereby certain norms, opinions or value systems are reinforced; and secondly, flexibility, whereby the notions about norms and preconceived ideas might shift during the research encounter.

Having a Laugh and Negotiating the Situation: The Significance of Humor During Fieldwork Among International Teenagers

“…Anthropologist Maarja Kaaristo has elaborated on how joking can play a central role in everyday relations during fieldwork. Just like in a community in general, in a fieldwork context, humor can be used as a tactic to deal with conflicting roles and power hierarchies (Kaaristo 2022, 747–48). This is often needed because the researcher tends to be an outsider who is often somewhat—or even significantly—different from the people they are studying.…”

“…Humor can also help the researcher and the participants to deal with uncomfortable or awkward situations, for example by making fun of the research project itself (see e.g., Juntunen and Laakkonen 2019), or it can help in “enhancing relationships and solidarity with other people” (Kaaristo 2022, 747). Yet, as Kaaristo points out, research situations are fluid and dynamic, and, consequently, negotiations about roles and hierarchies are ongoing (Kaaristo 2022, 756). A single joke does not solve any issues but humor can be used continuously to negotiate fieldwork situations.…”

“…This is often needed because the researcher tends to be an outsider who is often somewhat—or even significantly—different from the people they are studying. Research participants and researchers can use joking as a strategy to both diminish and affirm researcher–participant hierarchies (Giuffrè 2015, 231–2; Kaaristo 2022, 743, 744): humor can express and highlight differences and hierarchies but it can also downplay or destabilize them (Giuffrè 2015, 218, 236; Kaaristo 2022, 756). Humor can also help the researcher and the participants to deal with uncomfortable or awkward situations, for example by making fun of the research project itself (see e.g., Juntunen and Laakkonen 2019), or it can help in “enhancing relationships and solidarity with other people” (Kaaristo 2022, 747).…”

“…Research participants and researchers can use joking as a strategy to both diminish and affirm researcher–participant hierarchies (Giuffrè 2015, 231–2; Kaaristo 2022, 743, 744): humor can express and highlight differences and hierarchies but it can also downplay or destabilize them (Giuffrè 2015, 218, 236; Kaaristo 2022, 756). Humor can also help the researcher and the participants to deal with uncomfortable or awkward situations, for example by making fun of the research project itself (see e.g., Juntunen and Laakkonen 2019), or it can help in “enhancing relationships and solidarity with other people” (Kaaristo 2022, 747). Yet, as Kaaristo points out, research situations are fluid and dynamic, and, consequently, negotiations about roles and hierarchies are ongoing (Kaaristo 2022, 756).…”

“Exploring unchartered territories”: fieldwork experiences from researching street traders

“…In qualitative research, social and convivial relationships that develop between the researchers and the research participants are very important (Kaaristo, 2022). Establishing a strong rapport and building trust is a critical component of working with any population, but it becomes even more challenging when working with vulnerable urban populations.…”