A boat taking on water: Rethinking emotions and the politics of knowledge in ethnographic research with "hard-to-reach" and marginalised populations. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meloni, Francesca
• Is Part Of: Emotion, space and society. Volume 36(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Emotions -- Ethics -- Knowledge -- Participatory research -- Ethnography; Emotions -- Periodicals; Spatial behavior -- Periodicals; Space perception -- Periodicals; 152.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.emospa.2020.100708
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-4586

Abstract

Abstract: What can we learn from emotional challenges in research with marginalised groups? Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork with undocumented young people in Canada, I examine how difficult emotions illuminated ethical tensions in research. I show how I overcame these challenges when I shifted my approach and took a more engaged role. In this article, I call for the need to rethink emotions at an epistemological level and to reconsider them as keystones of the politics of knowledge. I argue that a reflexive approach can help researchers to examine issues of power in the field, and to create more collaborative practices. I also highlight the potential of ethnography in reversing power dynamics and ensuring reflexivity. Highlights: Emotions are keystones of the process of knowledge production. Emotions play a vital role in shaping knowledge and informing our ethical orientations. A reflexive approach towards difficult emotions and methodological failures can allow us to critically examine power issues and ethical tensions in the field. A reflexive approach on emotions can open different ways of producing knowledge, through more participatory and uncertain practices. Ethnographic approaches can contribute to reversing power dynamics and ensuring reflexivity.