Doing Research as a Native
A Guide for Fieldwork in Illiberal and Repressive States
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 23516853 |
|---|---|
| Editors | Kira D Jumet (0000-0003-3894-3787, Hamilton College), Merouan Mekouar (York University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Publication date | 2025-02-12 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | BOOK |
| Venue | Doing Research as a Native (SOURCE_BOOK) |
| Publisher | Oxford University PressNew York (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1093/oso/9780197699805.001.0001 |
| OpenAlex | W4407730137 |
| ISBN | 9780197699805 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
While numerous publications have examined the challenges faced by non-native (often Western) academics conducting research in repressive and/or illiberal countries, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding the unique obstacles encountered by native scholars. This book aims to bridge the gap by presenting narratives from nineteen scholars, representing fifteen countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, South America, Central Asia, and South Asia, who conducted fieldwork in their native repressive and/or illiberal countries. Although native researchers experience many of the challenges highlighted in existing works (e.g., surveillance, personal safety concerns, data security issues, and ethical dilemmas involving vulnerable populations), they also face additional risks and distinct obstacles that have been consistently overlooked in the literature, including family history and reputation, governmental pressure on family and friends, legal threats from local authorities, questionable access to consular assistance for dual nationals, influence of ascribed characteristics on social interactions, and exploitation by non-native colleagues. Contributors to this edited volume encountered challenges directly related to their native status, particularly in the following four categories: (1) gender and associated societal expectations; (2) race, ethnicity, and belonging; (3) legal threats and political red lines; and (4) exploitation. The book not only addresses this critical gap in the literature but also provides practical guidance for academics planning to conduct fieldwork in their native repressive and/or illiberal states. The practical sections of the book offer research design suggestions and coping strategies for graduate students, early-career researchers, and established scholars.
| Citations per year | 4 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Highly cited | No |