Doing Global Fieldwork: A Social Scientist's Guide to Mixed-Methods Research Far from Home

262 Pages·2021·2.514 MB·English

by  Jesse Driscoll

DOING
GLOBAL
FIELDWORK
A Social Scientist’s Guide
to Mixed-Methods Research
Far from Home
JESSE DRISCOLL
DOING GLOBAL FIELDWORK

DOING GLOBAL
FIELDWORK
A S O C IA L S C I E N T I ST ’ S G U I D E
T O M I X E D - M E T HO D S
R E SE A R C H FA R F R OM HOM E
JESSE DRISCOLL
Columbia University Press
New York
Columbia University Press
Publishers Since 1893
New York Chichester, West Sussex
cup . columbia . edu
Copyright © 2021 Columbia University Press
All rights reserved
Library of Congress Cataloging- in- Publication Data
Names: Driscoll, Jesse, 1978– author.
Title: Doing global fieldwork : a social scientist's guide to mixed-m ethods
research far from home / Jesse Driscoll.
Description: New York : Columbia University Press, [2021] | Includes bibliographical
references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2020036369 (print) | LCCN 2020036370 (ebook) |
ISBN 9780231195287 (hardcover) | ISBN 9780231195294 (trade paperback) |
ISBN 9780231551281 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Social sciences— Fieldwork. | Social sciences—
Research—M ethodology.
Classification: LCC H62 .D75 2021 (print) | LCC H62 (ebook) |
DDC 300.72/3—dc23
LC record available at https:// lccn . loc . gov / 2020036369
LC ebook record available at https:// lccn . loc . gov / 2020036370
Columbia University Press books are printed on permanent
and durable acid-f ree paper.
Printed in the United States of America
Cover design: Noah Arlow
At last one little spider took time enough to stop and talk to Wilbur
before making its balloon.
“We’re leaving here on the warm updraft. This is our moment for setting
forth. We are aeronauts and we are going out into the world to make webs
for ourselves.”
“But where?” asked Wilbur.
“Wherever the wind takes us. High, low. Near, far. East, west. North,
south. We take to the breeze, we go as we please.”
— E. B. White, Charlotte’s Web

CONTENTS
Figures and Tables ix
Preface xi
1. WELCOME TO THE GUILD(cid:2)1
Frequently Asked Question #1:
How much language training am I supposed to have? 23
2. HOW TO PREPARE TO LEAVE YOUR
HOME INSTITUTION(cid:2)30
Frequently Asked Question #2:
What should I bring? 64
3. HOW TO THINK ABOUT SELF- PRESENTATION
ONCE YOU ARRIVE(cid:2)70
Frequently Asked Question #3:
I feel overwhelmed . . . shouldn’t I help? 96
viii(cid:2)CONTENTS
4. HOW TO THINK ABOUT SOLO DATA COLLECTION(cid:2)98
Frequently Asked Question #4:
What do I do if I discover that things I told my
advisors . . . were completely wrong? 131
5. HOW TO THINK LIKE A MANAGER(cid:2)135
Frequently Asked Question #5:
I have developed a . . . complicated personal relationship . . .
in the field. What do I do? 163
6. HOW TO WEIGH RISKS IN DIFFICULT SETTINGS(cid:2)166
Frequently Asked Question #6:
What do I do if I am detained at a border or checkpoint? 184
7. HOW TO COME HOME(cid:2)186
Acknowledgments 205
Appendix I: How to Retell the Story of Your Journey to the Field 209
Appendix II: Additional Reading 211
Notes 215
Bibliography 229
Index 239
FIGURES AND TABLES
FIGURES
Figure 6.1 What you win when you win a data security arms race 181
Figure A.1 An adaptable template for a compelling narrative of scientific
discovery 210
TABLES
Table 1.1 Overview to Methods of Data Collection 8
Table 3.1 A Typology of Roles Often Played in the Field 73
Table 4.1 Repairing Your Ship at Sea, or Jumping Ship? 132
Table 6.1 A Framework for Field Site Risk Assessment 169