Peripheral Methodologies: Unlearning, Not-knowing and Ethnographic Limits

This book explores how the peripheral can be incorporated into ethnographic research, arguing that clarity and fixity as ideals of modernity prevent us from approaching that which cannot be easily captured and framed into scientific boundaries. It suggests that remaining on the boundary between the known and the unknown is necessary to surpass this ethnographic limit and that peripherality is not only a marginal condition but also a form of theory-making and practice that incorporates reflexivity and experimentation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate relationship between peripherality and methodology, challenging prevailing notions and paving the way for innovative approaches to ethnographic research. It begins by acknowledging the limitations imposed by modernity's pursuit of clarity and fixity, which hinder our ability to comprehend the enigmatic and complex aspects of the world. Recognizing the need to transcend these boundaries, the book advocates for a deliberate stance on the periphery, where the known and the unknown converge. By embracing this liminal space, the authors argue, ethnographic research can reach new heights of insight and understanding.

Peripheral Methodologies goes beyond merely describing the peripheral as a marginalized condition. Instead, it presents peripherality as a rich source of theory-making and practice, characterized by reflexivity and experimentation. The authors challenge the conventional notion of expertise and advocate for a reversal of the learning process. Instead of domesticating their tools, they engage in a process of unlearning, seeking to integrate the empirical and analytical otherwise.

Through a series of engaging case studies and thought-provoking discussions, the book showcases the transformative power of peripheral methodologies. It demonstrates how researchers can leverage their position on the margins to gain unique perspectives, challenge dominant narratives, and uncover hidden truths. The authors emphasize the importance of embracing ambiguity, complexity, and the unpredictable nature of the periphery as sources of creativity and innovation.

Moreover, Peripheral Methodologies challenges the notion of objectivity and encourages researchers to adopt a more reflexive and situated approach to their work. They advocate for a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, where researchers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together to explore complex social phenomena. The book encourages researchers to be open to the unexpected and to embrace the messiness and unpredictability of the research process, recognizing that the most profound insights often arise from the margins.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of ethnographic research. It offers a fresh perspective on peripherality, challenging traditional methodologies and promoting innovative approaches to understanding the world. By embracing the periphery, researchers can tap into new sources of knowledge, challenge dominant narratives, and contribute to the broader social discourse. Peripheral Methodologies is a must-read for anyone interested in expanding the boundaries of ethnographic research and exploring the rich tapestry of human experience.

Weight: 234g
Dimension: 154 x 298 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367757625