The WAU 2025 Congress (Antigua, Guatemala) webpage and call for panels are now open - Please visit waucongress2025.org for more info.

WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

Navigating Ethical dilemmas in Fieldwork: Perspectives of Academics and Anthropologists in Indian Universities

presenters

    LONGSHIBENI N KITHAN

    Nationality: INDIAN

    Residence: INDIA

    ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF KARNATAKA, INDIA

    Presence:Face to Face/ On Site

In the Academic landscape of Anthropology and Fieldwork practices in Indian Universities, the research undertaken by Anthropologists often relies heavily on research staff rather than the Academics and Anthropologists themselves. This reliance stems from the Academic commitments of Academicians/Anthropologists, which often limit their ability to engage in immersive fieldwork experiences. Instead, they may opt for shorter research trips, surveys, or collaborations with overseas partners, even in the absence of disruptive events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This present paper seeks to problematize the ethical implications of this trend within the academic framework. Through observation, critical reflection and interractions with the Academic fraternity in India, this study aims to provoke thought and dialogue on the ethical considerations inherent in the delegation of fieldwork responsibilities. It calls for a reevaluation of research practices and methodologies to ensure that ethical principles are upheld while maintaining the integrity and rigor of Anthropological inquiry. In doing so, the author, a n Academic and Anthropologists in a public University will also throw light on her own personal experiences and how she navigate the above mentioned challenges.

Keywords:

Fieldwork, Ethics, Academics, Anthropologists, Indian University.