Fieldwork Ain't Always Fun: Public and Hidden Discourses on Fieldwork

Abstract

Before I start, I would like to stress that the following is in no way meant as a complaint. Neither would I like you to think that I am disgusted by fieldwork in general, and fieldwork in Mali in particular. The point that I want to get across is that the personal emotional experience and state of mind during fieldwork have an impact on the way fieldworkers, in being their own instruments, practice their research. We would like to believe that this emotional state is one of euphoria, but in reality it includes negative experiences and feelings. These feelings should be accounted for—not just personally, but also professionally.There exists a dichotomy between open and hidden discourse about experiences in the field among social scientists practising fieldwork. This dichotomy is as old as fieldwork itself and gained some acknowledgment of existence after the publication of Malinowski'sDiary in the Strict Sense of the Term(Malinowski 1967). This dichotomy consists of a representation of fieldwork experiences towards colleagues and the larger audience as ideal, unproblematic, and among the best experiences a person can have in life. It is almost like a holiday. It is only in an informal setting, usually the pub, that some dare to speak of the danger, nuisance, despair, and general inconvenience of it all. Even talking about severe illness or other dangers is often done with the self assured attitude of someone capable of facing Armageddon and getting out alive. Apparently, Indiana Jones does exist.