Doing Fieldwork: Eight Personal Accounts of Social Research
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This book aims to introduce students to the conduct of fieldwork, the way in which anthropologists and sociologists go about the business of collecting the ‘facts’ that are the ba…
Book Summary
Doing Fieldwork offers eight candid personal accounts from social researchers about the realities of collecting data in the field. Edited by John Perry, it moves beyond textbook theory to show how anthropologists and sociologists navigate access, ethics, relationships, and unexpected challenges. Ideal for students and early-career researchers seeking practical insight into the messy, human side of qualitative research.
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About Doing Fieldwork: Eight Personal Accounts of Social Research
Doing Fieldwork: Eight Personal Accounts of Social Research provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the craft of ethnographic and qualitative research. Through eight first-person narratives, contributors describe their fieldwork experiences across diverse settings, revealing how researchers negotiate access, build rapport, manage ethical dilemmas, and adapt to unforeseen circumstances. The book emphasizes the gap between methodological ideals and on-the-ground realities, showing how 'facts' are actively constructed through social interaction. Each account highlights the personal, emotional, and practical dimensions of research that formal methods texts often overlook. Suitable for anthropology and sociology students, this collection bridges theory and practice by illustrating how fieldwork actually unfolds. The candid reflections offer valuable lessons on reflexivity, positionality, and the importance of flexibility in research design, making it an engaging supplement to standard methods courses.
Who should read Doing Fieldwork: Eight Personal Accounts of Social Research?
Undergraduate and postgraduate students in anthropology, sociology, and related social sciences will benefit most from this book, especially those preparing for their first fieldwork project. It is also valuable for early-career researchers seeking reassurance and practical wisdom, and for methods instructors who want to supplement technical textbooks with real-world narratives. Anyone interested in the human side of qualitative research will find these accounts illuminating.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Offers authentic, first-person insights into the realities of fieldwork
- ✓ Bridges the gap between methodological theory and practice
- ✓ Covers diverse research settings and challenges
- ✓ Encourages reflexivity and critical thinking about research
- ✓ Accessible and engaging writing style suitable for students
Cons
- ✗ Lacks a unified theoretical framework across accounts
- ✗ Some chapters may feel dated to contemporary researchers
- ✗ Limited coverage of quantitative or mixed-methods fieldwork
- ✗ No explicit practical exercises or checklists
- ✗ Assumes basic familiarity with social research concepts
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Frequently asked questions
Is this book suitable for beginners in fieldwork?
Yes, it is particularly useful for students and novice researchers. The personal accounts demystify the fieldwork process and offer practical lessons without requiring prior experience.
Does the book cover both anthropology and sociology?
Yes, the contributors come from both disciplines, and the accounts reflect a range of qualitative approaches common to both fields.
Are the accounts recent or older?
The book was published in the early 2000s, so some accounts reflect research conducted in the late 20th century. However, the core challenges of fieldwork remain relevant.
Is this a methods textbook or a supplementary reader?
It is a supplementary reader. It does not teach specific methods step-by-step but instead illustrates how methods are applied in real-world contexts.
Does it include examples from diverse cultural settings?
Yes, the eight accounts cover a variety of field sites and populations, offering insights into research across different social and cultural contexts.
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