05 November 2019
- RSIS
- Publication
- External Publications
- Power and Cultural Conditioning: Using Field Interviews to Explore “Outliers” in Participatory Development
Power and Cultural Conditioning: Using Field Interviews to Explore “Outliers” in Participatory Development
Abstract
This case study focuses on fieldwork conducted in the state of Kerala, India, over a period of 5 months. Through the use of in-depth, semi-structured interviews, I explored the issues of cultural institutions such as the caste system, vis-à-vis marginalized communities in the state. I address the “reshaping” of development research; a postmodern turn in data collection that better reflects truth and reality as experienced by the communities being studied. I explore the research design and use of interviews in the field including ethical considerations for the study, and I also discuss lessons learnt in the field and the realigning of the research agenda based on interview responses. In addition, I consider the strengths and limitations of using interviews as field methodology.
Abstract
This case study focuses on fieldwork conducted in the state of Kerala, India, over a period of 5 months. Through the use of in-depth, semi-structured interviews, I explored the issues of cultural institutions such as the caste system, vis-à-vis marginalized communities in the state. I address the “reshaping” of development research; a postmodern turn in data collection that better reflects truth and reality as experienced by the communities being studied. I explore the research design and use of interviews in the field including ethical considerations for the study, and I also discuss lessons learnt in the field and the realigning of the research agenda based on interview responses. In addition, I consider the strengths and limitations of using interviews as field methodology.
