Falling into Gaps: Navigating Research Practices across Global South and Global North, a Conversation

Abstract

This article is derived from conversations among four early career researchers on epistemic inequalities and challenges faced in universities, more especially in carrying out research. The conversations took place in the context of a qualitative research laboratory centered on the global South. We share experiences and issues associated with being trained as researchers in the global North and doing fieldwork in the global South. We also reflect on dominant structures and processes in universities and the marginalization of “other” or “alternative” knowledge systems. Whilst recognising the many ongoing and parallel academic discussions on such issues, we posit that there remains a need to carve out more discursive spaces for early career researchers to openly discuss their practical experiences, concerns, and strategies in challenging and overcoming issues such as the colonial gaze, racialization and coloniality of power, and to share appropriate approaches for research.