Inclusive Ethnography
Making Fieldwork Safer, Healthier and More Ethical
- Caitlin Procter - European University Institute
- Branwen Spector - University College London
How can you do ethnographic field research in a safe way for you and the people you work with?
In this nuanced, candid book, researchers from across the globe discuss core challenges faced by ethnographers, reflecting on research from preparation to dissemination and how identity interacts with the realities of doing fieldwork.
Building on the work of the editors’ The New Ethnographer Project, which has been seeking to change the way ethnographic methods are approached and taught since 2018, the book:
- Promotes an inclusive approach that invites you to learn from the challenges faced by a diverse range of scholars.
- Addresses underexplored issues including emotional and physical safety in the face of ableism, homophobia and racism.
- Challenges assumptions of what it means to produce knowledge by conducting fieldwork.
Whether you’re an undergraduate student or an experienced researcher, this book will help you do fieldwork that is safer, healthier and more ethical.
This well-crafted book serves as an invaluable resource for early-career ethnographers and students alike. Its well-structured approach offers a wealth of easily digestible insights into the multifaceted world of ethnographic research. For those embarking on their ethnographic journey, particularly in the field of equity, diversity and inclusion, this book would be a good companion. It has a blend of practical applicability and theoretical depth. Its key strengths include:
1. Clear definitions and practical guidance: The authors provide explanations of various ethnographic methodological approaches and make complex concepts accessible to the reader.
2. Addressing methodological challenges: A stand out feature is its exploration of ethnographic writing. Navigating the balance between neutral, detached and more intimate immersive accounts.
3. Well referenced content: The text provides the reader with a solid resource for further exploration.
4. Useful summaries: Each chapter concludes with a concise summary and specific recommendations. These offer practical guidance which is useful for immediate application.
