Fine-tuning the anthropologist’s body as fieldwork instrument

Description:

Wednesday 21 March 5.30-7.30 pm

This seminar will introduce the NCRM project “Research with a Twist: A Somatics Toolkit for Ethnographers” that I am currently developing in collaboration with Dr Ben Spatz, of the Univeristy of Huddersfield. It is designed with and for (PhD) anthropology students to learn how to be in their bodies and utilise their body as research instrument in preparation, during, and after their fieldwork.

The project draws from the growing field of sensory anthropology; theories of bodily, emotional and spatial intelligences or modes of knowing; and somatic practices. We propose concrete exercises that increase body awareness, perception and interpretation. The ‘somatics toolkit’ can be used throughout the research. It underlines issues of place/positioning, the importance of listening and attentiveness; the interconnectedness of perception and action; and the epistemological centrality of doubt, turbulence, and change in navigating the tension between knowing and not-knowing. This will support the researcher with knowledge production when going into an unknown situation, collecting and later interpreting data. The toolkit also aims to support mental and emotional wellbeing of the researcher, regarding challenges such as drowning in complex data, dealing with personal responses to the material, or writer’s block. In short, it focuses on the body as a source of information and understanding as well as support in pre-fieldwork, fieldwork and post-fieldwork stages.

This interactive presentation includes both a ‘traditional’ introduction to the project and some of its background, as well as an experimental part, in which we will try out some processes and practices that we are testing for the toolkit. There will be an hour for reflection, to hear your considerations, suggestions and feedback.

Bio
Dr Eline Kieft works at the Centre for Dance Research, Coventry University. She combines her background in Medical Anthropology and Anthropology of Dance, with her practice as qualified Movement Medicine teacher and practitioner. Her early career research portfolio includes qualitative research methodologies, health, wellbeing, spirituality, and alternative pedagogies.

Cost:

free

Website and registration:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rai-research-seminar-eline-kieft-tickets-43125332029

Region:

Greater London

Keywords:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs, Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination, Embodied Research Methodology , Anthropology

Related publications and presentations:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs
Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination

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