Full Description
This forward-looking resource offers readers a modern contextual framework for conducting social science research with indigenous peoples. Foundational chapters summarize current UN-based standards for indigenous rights and autonomy, with their implications for research practice. Coverage goes on to detail minimally-invasive data-gathering methods, survey current training and competency issues, and consider the scientist's role in research, particularly as a product of his/her own cultural background. From these guidelines and findings, students and professionals have a robust base for carrying out indigenous research that is valid and reliable as well as respectful and ethical.
Among the topics covered:· Cultural theories and cultural dominance.
· The legal framework of research in indigenous contexts.
· The role of language within indigenous peoples' cultural rights.
· Methodology: how to optimally collect data in the field.
· Researchers' influence and philosophy of science.
· Learning how to prepare research in indigenous contexts.
Research Methods in Indigenous Contexts is an important reference benefitting a wide audience, including students and researchers in the social sciences, humanities, and psychology; decision-makers of NGOs and GOs that act with regard to humanitarian aid, for tourism projects, or any other contingency with indigenous contexts; and policymakers interested in the aspects of human activity upon which indigenous cultural concerns are based.
Contents
1. Introduction.- 1.1 Indigenous Contexts.- 1.1.1 Transgenerational Traumata.- 1.2 Cultural Theories and Cultural Dominance.- 1.3 Transcultural perspectives and conceptualisations.- 1.4 Synthesis and dominance - the mechanisms of change.- 2. The legal framework of research in indigenous contexts.- 2.1 Historical aspects.- 2.2 Acknowledgement of indigenous identity.- 2.3 Right to self-determination.- 2.4 Protection of culture.- 2.4.1 The Role of Language within Indigenous Peoples' Cultural Rights.- 2.4.2 Indigenous Culture and Intellectual Property.- 2.5 Revitalisation of culture.- 2.6 Cultural autonomy in education and lifestyle.- 2.7 Reflection of culture in media.- 2.8 Land rights.- 2.8.1 Protection of territories.- 2.8.2 Land use.- 2.8.3 Mitigation of adverse impact.- 2.8.4 Right to redress and compensation.- 2.8.5 Indigenous cultures and borders.- 3. Methodology - how to optimally collect data in the fields.- 3.1 History of transcultural field encounters.- 3.2 Field encounter as quasi-experimentation.- 3.3 Researchers' influence and philosophy of science.- 3.3.1 Vulnerability and resilience.- 3.4 Epistemology.- 3.4.1 Qualitative and quantitative methods.- 3.4.2 Validity.- 3.4.3 Reliability.- 3.4.4 Objectivity.- 3.4.5 Ethical aspects.- 3.5 Minimally-invasive techniques.- 3.5.1 Total immersion.- 3.5.2 Rescue work.- 4. Field research in indigenous contexts.- 4.1 The scientist as a psychological being.- 4.1.1 Researchers and their culture of origin.- 4.1.2 Rationality and irrationality.- 4.2 Meta-perspectives.- 4.3 Transcultural competency.- 4.4 Education and training.- 4.4.1 Learning how to prepare research in indigenous contexts.- 4.5 Culturally sustainable field research.- 4.5.1 Practical aspects.- 4.5.2 Being prepared for tropical diseases.- Epilogue.
