Ethnography Reading Group
We run an Ethnography Reading Group, where we collectively engage with and discuss a wide range of ethnographic literature. Our reading group is not at all exclusive to members of the Ethnography Group and we welcome anyone who would like to join our discussions. The only caveat is that we assume some familiarity with ethnography.
Our reading group runs once a month and is in person at Royal Holloway, but with the option for people to join remotely (we are ethnographers after all!). The texts we read are texts that we individually or collectively think would provide the basis for insightful, challenging or, simply, interesting discussions.
Join our mailing list here via Google Groups.
Next session
NOTE THAT THE READING GROUP WILL TAKE A BREAK WHILE WE RUN SOME WORKSHOPS
Past sessions
14 March 2023, 14:00-16:00: CDT Hub (with hybrid option)
Text: Henrik Vigh. Lives opposed: perceptivity and tactically in conflict and crime Social Anthropology/Anthropologie sociale, 26: 4, pp. 487-501.
Presenter: Taylor Robinson.
17 January 2023, 14:00-16:00: CDT Hub, Bedford Building (with hybrid option)
Topic: “Taboos” in ethnographic fieldwork.
In this session we will be discussing what is sometimes referred to as “taboos” in ethnographic fieldwork. This includes health and wellbeing, intimate relations, safety and security during fieldwork. The texts focus in particular on gendered aspects of fieldwork relating to health and safety. However, we will aim to create a safe space where broader topics can be discussed, so that we can learn from each other’s experiences and thoughts.
Text: Gwen Sharp and Emily Kremer. 2006. The Safety Dance: Confronting Harassment, Intimidation, and Violence in the Field. Sociological Methodology, 36:1, pp.317-327.
Text: Helen Sampson and Michelle Thomas. 2003. Lone researchers at sea: gender, risk and responsibility Qualitative Research, 3:2, pp. 165-189.
Presenter: Rikke Bjerg Jensen.
6 December 2022, 14:00-16:00: CDT Hub (with hybrid option)
Text: Max Liboiron. 2021. Pollution is Colonialism. Duke University Press, London/Durham.
We will focus on Acknowledgements, Introduction and Chapter 1.
Presenter: Jessica McClearn.
15 November 2022, 14:00-16:00: CDT Hub (with hybrid option)
Text: Gabriella Alberti. 2014. Mobility strategies, ‘mobility differentials’ and ’transnational exit’: The experiences of precarious migrants in London’s hospitality jobs. Work, Employment and Society, 28:6, pp.865–881.
Presenter: Mikaela Brough.
18 October 2022, 14:00-16:00: CDT Hub (with hybrid option)
Text: Christine Helliwell. 1992. Good Walls Make Bad Neighbours: The Dayak Longhouse as a Community of Voices. Oceania: Southeast Asian Issue, 62:3, pp.179-193.
Presenter: Cherry Jackson.