Field, ethics and self: negotiating methodology in a Hindu right wing camp

Introduction: identity, jeopardy and moral dilemmas in conducting research in ‘risky’ environments

“…While Leggett (2018) did not leave the field, that is, China, she also speaks of guilt at being able to escape the heavy pollution of Chinese cities to return to the developed world (Australia and Germany) that is her base. In both Leggett's (2018) and Tyagi's (2018) case, guilt as an emotion led to a reflexive stance on positionality and on the context of fieldwork study. Wilson (2018) also speaks of her emotional involvement in the lives of the residents of Kibera, many of whom had experienced severe trauma and dislocation.…”

Introduction: identity, jeopardy and moral dilemmas in conducting research in ‘risky’ environments

“…While Leggett (2018) did not leave the field, that is, China, she also speaks of guilt at being able to escape the heavy pollution of Chinese cities to return to the developed world (Australia and Germany) that is her base. In both Leggett's (2018) and Tyagi's (2018) case, guilt as an emotion led to a reflexive stance on positionality and on the context of fieldwork study. Wilson (2018) also speaks of her emotional involvement in the lives of the residents of Kibera, many of whom had experienced severe trauma and dislocation.…”

“…The dilemmas of authenticity and dystopian identity were generally not anticipated by the researchers, or their supervisors, prior to engaging in their fieldwork. Tyagi (2018) as a young Hindu woman believed that through employing a feminist empathic approach she would be able to embed herself in a Hindu right wing girls' camp. She enters this space with uncertainty, but also with a belief that her youth, and her common cultural background will create the bonds she feels will make her research endeavour somewhat simpler.…”

“…Much like emotions, it keeps resurfacing and sticking to everyday existence. Tyagi (2018) writes very powerfully about how despite, or because of, her attempts to subdue part of her 'self', she ended up feeling a range of overwhelming emotions. She felt particularly frustrated at not being able to act in defence of the young women in the camp for fear of not being adequately subdued as was expected of her.…”

A pesquisa de grupos de direita: questões éticas e metodológicas

“…A possibilidade de que certos grupos, organizações e indivíduos (de confiança dos participantes) colaborem no acesso do pesquisador é destacada em trabalhos, como o de Tyagi (2018). Na discussão da pesquisa etnográfica mais geral, termos como "guardiões" (gatekeepers) e "colaboradores" (sponsors) são usados para se referir a esses indivíduos (HAMMERSLEY; ATKINSON, 2007, p. 59).…”