Rethinking the researcher-researched relationship

Abstract

This article critically examines the conventional researcher-researched relationship thatempowers the researcher over the researched. The orthodoxy of objectivity – claimed to locatethe researchers as neutral observer – is here argued to be a power relation that has an excludingeffect where subject communities are concerned. By means of an archaeological case study thatincluded mapping and interpretation of ancient rock engravings we offer a new way of negotiatinginterpretations. This new way involved four members from a Bushman community who helped usnavigate spiritual, ontological and environmental dimensions in making sense of rock art.

Giving back and the moral logics of economic relations

“…Furthermore, there may be a mismatch between what the researcher is willing and able to provide and what research interlocutors want. Ideas of what is appropriate to give back in return for research participation or support can also be shaped by precedence, with communities and individuals that have been previously visited by researchers potentially have expectations informed by those visits (Dyll and Tomaselli, 2016). Researchers may similarly be tempted to base their practices of giving back on prior projects.…”