Platsens plats i det antropologiska arbetet

Abstract

Social anthropology rests to a great extent on its traditional method: long term participant observation in one place. Theoretical evolution as well as real changes in the world have meant, however, that such fieldwork is not always the best way to gather data, perhaps not even possible, in relation to problems that nevertheless benefit from anthropological interpretations. This is a true dilemma that is forcing changes in our methods. The terms translocal and multilocal fieldwork have been coined. This article argues that we must find ways of adapting fieldwork to the new requirements without losing what is most valuable in the traditional method: the strong contextualization of knowledge which makes subtle analyses possible. Using three projects of my own as examples, I show how my study of gender and change in Spain led me to progressively less village-like places, I questions the very idea of "place", and I point to the risks inherent in short stretches of fieldwork. I can give no easy solutions, but I describe the dilemma, which must be the first step towards transcending it.