Insider Research in Migration and Music Sociology: Contextualizing Indigenous and (G)local Method(ologie)s in Studying Migrant Musicians

Abstract

Researching migrants in various geographical and social environments necessitates the use of culturally sensitive and contextualized modes of understanding. Migrants’ perspectives, lifeways, and knowledge need to be recognized through proper historical and cultural perspectives. This article discusses the use and potential application of culturally contextualized method(ologie)s in conducting insider research in migration and music sociology, both of which have traditionally been dominated by Western methodologies and scholars. The use of the Filipino method(ologie)s – pakikipagkuwentuhan and pakikilahok – is examined as applied in understanding musical experiences and everydayness of Filipino musicians in Australia. Furthermore, I demonstrate that in such interdisciplinary study, cultural differences in practice, community, and conversations demand (g)localized techniques that benefit both the researcher and respondents. This paper responds to the call to contribute to the decolonization of research methodologies and the co-creation of migrant epistemologies and ontologies.