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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Negotiating identity and access: Reflexive notes from fieldwork in North India
Authors
Arfa Anis
Abstract
Fieldwork constitutes a critical component of
qualitative social science research, particularly when engaging with
communities situated at the margins of socio-political structures. This paper
offers reflexive methodological reflections drawn from field experiences
conducted as part of broader doctoral research in North India. It examines how
the researcher’s social location shapes processes of entry, rapport-building,
and knowledge production. The paper reflects the fluid movement between insider
and outsider positions, the gendered dynamics of access, and the ethical
responsibilities that emerge during immersive research. By foregrounding
reflexivity, the paper argues that fieldwork is not merely a technical exercise
but a relational process that actively shapes scholarly understanding. Such
reflections are essential for developing ethically grounded and context-sensitive
research practices within contemporary social inquiry.
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Pages:52-54
How to cite this article:
Arfa Anis "Negotiating identity and access: Reflexive notes from fieldwork in North India". International Journal of Social Research and Development, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 52-54
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