Doing Fieldwork From a Distance

Abstract

The content of this chapter responds to the current historical circumstances as we continue to move towards remote learning, research, and practice. The focus here is conducting fieldwork remotely. Many of us do not live locally where we conduct the majority of our fieldwork and so we need to develop and rely on a variety of ways to stay connected through means other than being in the same geographical location. In addition, as we experience the Covid-19 pandemic, it becomes necessary to think about the possible reconfigurations that will result from this, especially for those conducting fieldwork. This chapter offers a discussion on the constraints that doing fieldwork remotely represents, and also the opportunities and added value that emerge when doing fieldwork from a distance. Here they discuss the limitations for constructing and sustaining rapport with communities when working remotely, and also the value that it has in terms of security and time.