Fieldwork in Nonwestern Contexts: Continuity and Change

Introduction to the Field Guide for Research in Community Settings: Tools, Methods, Challenges and Strategies

“…It is true that the improvement of technology is no promise that the quality of fieldwork will improve. However, the orbit of fieldwork has always had to deal with the shifting nature of societies themselves (Porter and Grossman, 2004).…”

“…One important issue within this spectrum is ethical consideration relating particularly to 'harms and benefits' (Cassell, 1982). In many cases, particularly data collection in low-income communities through participatory research, the role of social advocacy and empowerment of the poor and the powerless is very important (Porter and Grossman, 2004). On the other hand, in developing countries, there has been an expansion in forbidden or restricted research due to the stimulation of privatization and human subject regulations (Warren and Staples, 1989).…”