The Self in ‘Fieldwork’: A Methodological Concern

Authors

Christie L. Fox, Utah State UniversityFollow
Beverly Stoeltje
Stephen Olbrys

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of American Folklore

Volume

112.444

Publication Date

1999

First Page

158

Last Page

182

Abstract

As concepts of reflexivity and postcolonial perspectives have advanced our understandings of the way we represent those we study, they have also introduced a consciousness of the role of the self in research. This article reviews the history of the field of folklore with regard to the method of obtaining data or texts and demonstrates that collecting material contrasts with the practice of conducting research in the field. Pointing to a moment of transition, it shows that theories of folklore had to undergo significant change before methods of research would acknowledge the identity of the fieldworker and its significance.

Comments

Originally published by University of Illinois Press.

Recommended Citation

Published as “The Self in ‘Fieldwork’: A Methodological Concern” with Beverly Stoeltje and Stephen Olbrys. Journal of American Folklore 112. 444 (Spring 1999): 158-182. © [1999] by the American Folklore Society.