(Re)thinking Anthropological Methods and Methodologies in a Changing World

Abstract (English)

Anthropology is distinct from other disciplines due to its fieldwork methodology (Madden, 2017). Nonetheless, anthropological research has long been entangled with colonial histories, shaping not only the discipline’s methodologies but also its ethical engagements with research participants (Smith, 1999; Harrison, 1997; Speed, 2006). Recent critiques call for a decolonial turn in anthropology, demanding a fundamental shift in how knowledge is produced, shared, and validated (Tuck & Yang, 2012).
Nowadays, the emphasis on ethnographic fieldwork and participant observation is used alongside digital ethnography (Hine, 2000; Pink et al., 2016; Boellstorff, 2016; Seaver, 2017) and other advanced participatory techniques (Lassiter, 2005; Speed, 2008). Thus, anthropology’s fieldwork methodology is changing and advancing, and it must be critically examined to avoid reproducing colonial structures (Clifford & Marcus, 1986; Gupta & Ferguson, 1997). The traditional emphasis on studying a single small community with a holistic view is transforming itself to suit contemporary demands and includes studies focusing on specific sectors of the population inside big cities and across countries (Sanjek, 1990). Changes and challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of digital tools for data collection, show how these shifts not only redefine the tools and techniques used in ethnographic research but also provoke critical questions about the ethical, methodological, and epistemological foundations of the discipline (Faubion, 2001; Lassiter, 2005). For instance, the rise of big data and algorithmic systems has further challenged conventional ethnographic approaches, necessitating new strategies for engagement and analysis (Seaver, 2017; Pink et al., 2018). This panel aims to explore the intersections of evolving methodologies, ethical challenges, and technological advancements in fieldwork, considering diverse contexts.
It is also interesting to discuss how anthropologists adapt to new realities while remaining committed to the discipline’s core values. By addressing gaps in standardization, ethics, and training, we will focus on innovative tools and new perspectives necessary to thrive in a data-driven world. In addition, studies with an interdisciplinary focus, commitment to cultural sensitivity, and dedication to inclusivity can ensure that anthropology remains both relevant and impactful in addressing the pressing challenges of the 21st century. Addressing how anthropologists can adopt methodologies that foreground ethical reflexivity and collaborative fieldwork as essential components of decolonial research is also crucial for advancing these debates.
Thus, the organizers welcome papers that examine methodological innovations aimed at deconstructing extractive research practices, fostering co-authorship with communities, and developing ethical frameworks that move beyond institutional compliance. We also invite scholars to critically engage with shifting anthropological methodologies, exploring how digital transformations, participatory techniques, decolonial critiques, ethical concerns, and emergent social realities reconfigure research practices. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we foster dialogue on methodological innovation and the theoretical implications of rethinking fieldwork.