06 Issues in Ethnographic Research: Female Researcher's Dilemma in A Rural Setting

Abstract

In this paper I explore the issue of insider/outsider status with reference to the ethnographic research especially in terms of positionality, creation of knowledge and power. In the rural community of Cholistan desert of Southern Pakistan, where I conducted ethnographic field research for my doctoral dissertation during the year 1998-1999, I had to face the dilemma that how to position myself, i.e., as an insider or outsider. I was considered as an insider because of my ethnic roots in the area, as well as my grasp over the language. Yet, at the same time, being an urban and educated female, I was an outsider especially in the presence of their relatives from around the area. During research my dilemma was and how to locate myself in relationship to different individuals, without compromising the objectivity of my research.