Navigating Fieldwork: An Ethnographic Study in a Low-Cost Private School in Delhi

This presentation delves into the intricate process of conducting an ethnographic case study in a low-cost private school located in an unauthorized colony in Delhi, India. The study, carried out in the context of a challenging environment lacking regularized residential planning and essential facilities, presents unique methodological considerations and ethical dilemmas.
The presentation will explore the strategies employed to build trust with the community, including teachers, administrators, students, and parents, particularly amidst politically sensitive circumstances. It will reflect on the presenter’s role within the school and the impact of their presence on the community.
The complexities of the consent process will be discussed, highlighting the strategies used to navigate these challenges while ensuring ethical research practices. The presentation will also shed light on the precautions taken before and during entry into potentially hostile environments, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols.
The presenter will examine how their identity has influenced interactions and experiences in the field, discussing the implications of reflexivity in ethnographic research. Finally, the presentation will provide an overview of the methodology for conducting interviews and activities within the school setting, including the level of involvement from the school administration.
This presentation aims to offer valuable insights into the methodological and ethical considerations of conducting fieldwork in challenging environments, contributing to the broader discourse on ethnographic research methodologies.

MS Teams link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZGZiNWU5MjctMDgwOS00ZjQwLWEyZGQtM2QwNmVmN2QyYWU3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22cc95de1b-97f5-4f93-b4ba-fe68b852cf91%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%225f581465-1def-4d51-8d4c-45a3b26b5b58%22%7d