Using Vignettes in Migration Research

Abstract

In this article, An Huy Tran contributes to the discussion on research methods in transnational migration studies by reflecting on the utilization of written vignette in studying male migrants' transnational experiences and negotiations of sexualities and masculinities. The article explains how research vignettes could be suitably constructed and implemented in transnational migration studies and subsequently discusses the methodological connotations and the epistemological meanings of the technique. The article argues that the vignette technique can be a satisfactory supplementary inquiry method employed not only to examine migrants' experiences, subjectivities, and perceptions but also to avoid common (pre)assumptions in contemporary migration research.