Abstract
It has been increasingly recognized that undertaking qualitative research can pose many challenges for researchers. However, scanty literature focuses directly on the experiences of doctoral research students from developing countries studying in Western Europe and other similar geographic regions, and the challenges of doing fieldwork when they return “back home.” In this article, I use my experiences in the process of undertaking PhD fieldwork on two donor-funded microfinance institutions located in Zambia to demonstrate that doctoral students from specific regions (Africa in particular) undertaking research in their native countries can struggle to manage and make sense of the challenges and identity issues raised in their “familiar” environments. I also present a detailed discussion of how various gatekeepers and participants facilitated access, identity alteration, and the impact of insider–outsider positionality on collected data. It is concluded that organizational “politics” and local context can have significant bearing on power relationships, identities of researchers, and methodological preferences.
Highlights
Qualitative researchers have increasingly stressed the need for reflection on the positionality and identity of the researcher in the field (Berger, 2015; Ergun & Erdemir, 2010; Ezzy, 2010; Humphrey, 2007; Mannay, 2010; SoniSinha, 2008; Taylor, 2011; Turner, 2010)
There is a dearth in publications by African doctoral students studying in the West and other similar contexts who return “home” for purposes of research and are able to consciously reflect upon their fieldwork dilemmas and experiences
My research has no claim to being fully ethnographic in design, except for the methods used such as participant observation and shadowing in studying the ways in which loan officers interacted with clients of microfinance institutions (MFIs)
Summary
Qualitative researchers have increasingly stressed the need for reflection on the positionality and identity of the researcher in the field (Berger, 2015; Ergun & Erdemir, 2010; Ezzy, 2010; Humphrey, 2007; Mannay, 2010; SoniSinha, 2008; Taylor, 2011; Turner, 2010). My research has no claim to being fully ethnographic in design, except for the methods used such as participant observation and shadowing in studying the ways in which loan officers interacted with clients of microfinance institutions (MFIs).
Published Version (Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have