The next OCE Workshop is planned Thursday, February 8th (13h-14h).
We will have the great pleasure of welcoming Farida Souiah. Farida is an Assistant Professor at emlyon. She’ll be giving a talk entitled:
« Bad ethnographer, and worse mother” : Navigating Motherhood, and Ethnographic Research »
Abstract: This article explores the challenges I encountered while embarking on an engaged ethnographic fieldwork, focused on documenting a revolutionary social movement (Hirak) in my native country, Algeria, after becoming a mother. Drawing from my fieldwork notes and diary, this paper delves into the practicality and significance of ethnographic fieldwork for young mothers. This research seeks to illuminate the intricate interplay between the roles of mother and ethnographer, shedding light on the delicate equilibrium or discord that exists within these spheres. This paper contends that pivotal personal and political events demand a reassessment of methodologies, urging researchers to venture beyond the canons of ethnography and explore alternative temporalities and approaches. As “long term presence” on the field, and “participant observation” felt untenable, I opted for an “intermittent fieldwork” and “observant participation”.