Fieldwork of ethnic identity: theory. practice, reflection

Abstract

The article deals with the problems of studying ethnic identity in ethnographic fieldwork. The study of this phenomenon is currently one of the most relevant research areas. At the same time, it has a number of certain difficulties, primarily related to research methodology. Methodological difficulties are caused by a variety of theoretical approaches and concepts in study of ethnic identity. Therefore, field research remains for ethnographers the most important means of obtaining information about the ethnic properties of studied objects. In addition, the choice of field ethnography methods and their application in practice causes certain difficulties when research object is ethnic identity.

Having based on analysis of scientific literature and foreign authors’ techniques as well as her own experience, the author accumulates questions ethnographers face when conducting fieldwork of ethnic identity. As the research shows, difficulties of studying ethnic identity are associated with a number of methodological issues. Particularly, key problems are subjectivity of ethnographic research due to several factors, complex nature of researcher–informant relationship, access to research «field» and search for potential informants. In this regard, building communication and developing their own research strategies, taking into account the characteristics of studied society, are necessary conditions for successful fieldwork of ethnic identity.

Key words: fieldwork, ethnic identity, ethnographic research, methods of field ethnography, infor- mants, research strategies.