The Self in "Fieldwork": A Methodological Concern

Abstract

As concepts of reflexivity and postcolonial perspectives have advanced our understandings of the way we represent those we study, they have also introduced a consciousness of the role of the self in research. This article reviews the history of the field of folklore with regard to the method of obtaining data or texts and demonstrates that collecting material contrasts with the practice of conducting research in the field. Pointing to a moment of transition, it shows that theories of folklore had to undergo significant change before methods of research would acknowledge the identity of the fieldworker and its significance.

Experiences in Doing Ethnography: Studies on Anglo-Indian Women in Kolkata

“…For the purpose of research among the Anglo-Indian community, the 'other' is the non-Anglo-Indian, non-Christian communities residing in India. In a fieldwork situation, if the culture of the filed being observed is not familiar to the researcher, then it introduces a feeling of strangeness when studying people different from the self (Stoeltje, Fox, & Olbrys, 1999). Then the ethnographic exotic becomes objectified but if the researcher understands the dynamics of the relationship between her and the field, it can reap profits in the quality of the research.…”

Reflexivity: unmarried Japanese male interviewing married Japanese women about international marriage

“…It has been argued that ‘we recognise that the very activity of fieldwork places us somewhere on a continuum between familiar and strange, self and other, domestic and foreign, same and different’ (Stoeltje et al, 1999: 160). Therefore, it should not be assumed that an interviewer’s insider or outsider status automatically implies less or more rapport, or indeed a better study.…”

“…Reflexivity refers to ‘the ability of the researcher to stand outside the research process and critically reflect on that process’ (O’Leary, 2004: 11). It emphasizes the significance of recognizing the dynamics of the self and ‘others’ of fieldwork (Stoeltje et al, 1999). Reflexivity allows us to observe our feelings and positionality and the analysis of this dynamic becomes an important source of data.…”

Buried Treasures: Narratives of an Immigrant from Ukraine in Israel

“…A fortnight later, accompanied by my seven-year-old daughter, I visited Stanovskii at his apartment. I took her with me not by chance but after reflecting on "the self" in the fieldwork [Stoeltje et al 1999]. Stanovskii and I were of similar age, I thought it would be better to take Lilia with me so as not to be perceived as a woman out for adventure.…”