Fieldwork, an essential part of sociological and anthropological research, needs a bottom-up approach for holistic development. The difference between theory and practicalities also throws up many challenges in rural research.
In 2016, I embarked on an academic journey to the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) in Bhopal. This decision unfolded into a transformative experience, immersing me in the diverse landscapes of Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.
I learnt firsthand that any developmental activity should not focus merely on economic aspects. This story narrates the challenges I faced during my fieldwork and the subsequent evolution of my perspectives.
The first fieldwork I undertook was a 10-day trip in Madhya Pradesh, exploring rehabilitated villages affected by human-wildlife interactions and dam projects. A poignant interaction with Puran, a villager, revealed the profound connection the tribal communities have with their ancestral lands.
Talking to villagers revealed the need for a nuanced understanding of rehabilitation impacts, extending beyond economic considerations to encompass social and spiritual dimensions.
While living in Sehore district in Madhya Pradesh for my M.Phil. dissertation, I faced challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, mud roads and a language barrier. However, these hurdles became a catalyst for a deeper understanding of rural realities.
These challenges showed the importance of participant observation and building a rapport with people in overcoming biases and connecting with diverse communities.
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While doing fieldwork, I unintentionally aligned with a particular community, which affected my efforts in connecting with other people. A breakthrough at a marriage function highlighted the significance of community participation in bridging gaps. The incident underscores the complexities of identity dynamics in rural settings, necessitating adaptability and cultural sensitivity.
A rehabilitation and resettlement consultancy project in Burdwan, West Bengal, presented new challenges, in addition to language barriers. The villagers were initially not open to our project and so they were cold towards us. While we could leverage our local connections, we had to use innovative strategies to convince the villagers. Here I learned the impact of identity dynamics on fieldwork and the researcher’s role in navigating these intricacies.
My experiences in Burdwan unveiled stark socioeconomic disparities, epitomised by a poignant image of a young girl fetching muddy water. Observing this contrast between urban privilege and rural adversity, I had an ethical dilemma of emotional involvement versus neutrality. Then I realised that for a balanced approach, as a researcher, I had to acknowledge societal issues without compromising on objectivity.
Reflecting on my journey, I can say that fieldwork often brings up unpredictable challenges. Also, practical realities can diverge from theoretical knowledge. My fieldwork taught me that researchers need to be adaptable, resilient and receptive to local philosophies. We have to ensure ontological equity and acknowledge the importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making processes.
My experiences in Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal offer a nuanced understanding of the challenges inherent in sociological and anthropological research. Based on my field visits I can say that researchers like me have to understand the importance of embracing diverse perspectives, navigating identity dynamics and maintaining a balance between emotional engagement and research objectivity.
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The lead image at the top shows an agricultural field in Nandurbar, Maharashtra. (Photo by Himanshu Kumar)
Himanshu Kumar holds an M.Phil. in natural resources management, and is pursuing a PhD at IIT Delhi. He is also an assistant professor at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Evening College, New Delhi.
