Field Research in Minority Communities: Ethical, Methodological and Political Observations by an Insider

Abstract

This paper reviews issues in field research in minority communities. The general question, “Where shall minority research come from?” is posed, then considerable attention is focused on the insider-outsider controversy—especially its importance for Chicanos in the social sciences. It is argued that minority researchers have certain empirical and methodological advantages in conducting field research, but also face unique problems in simultaneously addressing ethical, methodological and political concerns. The author's field research experience among Chicano families is then drawn on for general implications for insider research in minority communities.