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WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

Methodological challenges in ethnographic fieldwork at agro-industrial city in Argentina

presenters

    María Laura Ochoa

    Nationality: Argentina

    Residence: Argentina

    Universidad Nacional de San Martín

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

Keywords:

ethnography - fieldwork - household savings - agro-industrial city

Abstract:

In recent years, household savings has become a relevant issue in the context of the economic situation in Argentina. In the daily agenda, experiences and strategies are shared on how to face the crisis or beat inflation, tensioning and defying the policies implemented by the state such as the offer of financial services from financial entities. My research work, within the framework of the PhD in social anthropology at Universidad Nacional de San Martín, focuses on household economy's saving practices at agro-industrial city in Argentina, belonging to the humid pampa region. This city is located 580 kilometers from Buenos Aires and has a population of approximately 20,000 inhabitants. TThe economic development of the city is associated with the agricultural and livestock industry, specially to dairy production on large-scale, and other types of industries associated with services and agricultural machinery. Since the beginning of my research in 2022, there have been two very different stages: modality with sporadic trips from Buenos Aires and remote work, and extended fieldwork in the city where I research. In this presentation, I am interested in sharing reflections about my experience during my fieldwork process, the advantages and disadvantages of staying in the field or working remotely. Also, I'm interested in reflecting on the dilemmas faced and the ethical principles that guided me in this process, as the methodological challenges.