Solidarity for whom? Interrogating solidarity in geographic research methodologies

Abstract

Calls for researchers to be in solidarity with research participants in hopes of reducing the exploitative research practices inherited through centuries of extractive methods have become the norm in Geography. Participatory research models, diversity in publication forums and types, and redirecting material university resources toward participants have all emerged as ways of altering research methods to practice solidarity with participants. While these are important endeavors, they do not consider solidarity as something which alters the field of research itself. When considering the complexities and limitations of the coalitional possibilities brought forth by solidarity, it becomes apparent that solidarity does not resolve the ethical dilemmas of fieldwork and knowledge production. Experience from field research in Paraguay has demonstrated that practicing solidarity as part of research raises new ethical challenges that alter the multiple encounters that constitute the research process and beyond.

Solidarity as methodological praxis

“…Moreover, just as Gagliano (2021) suggests that solidarity can alter “the spatialities of research and knowledge production” (Gagliano, 2021: 2), our examples illustrate that solidarity itself can change shape in different contexts or as relationships transform and evolve. We see this in Meagan’s example, for instance, as the ways in which she acts in solidarity with her daughter change as Meagan’s offers are accepted or declined.…”