This paper presents a critical reflection on the lessons gleaned from fieldwork conducted during research on institutional childcare in Indian-administered Kashmir. Based on a phenomenological study carried out in the conflict-affected districts of Srinagar and Kupwara, the research focuses on the lived experiences of young adults orphaned by the ongoing armed conflict and raised in institutional care, as well as the perspectives of child care institution staff and government officials. The study offers a nuanced exploration of the complexities involved in conducting research in regions marked by structural violence and political instability.
The first section examines strategies for navigating the unique challenges posed by conducting fieldwork in politically volatile settings, emphasizing the ethical and methodological dilemmas inherent in such research. The paper addresses the importance of developing a localized ethical framework that acknowledges the region’s historical, socio-political, and cultural intricacies, especially given the outsider-insider conundrum faced by the researcher, who is external to the region. This positionality not only shapes access to participants but also impacts the interpretation of data in conflict zones.
The second part of the paper delves into methodological insights, particularly the significance of employing snowball sampling in conflict settings, where trust and safety are critical concerns. In this context, the paper elaborates on how informal networks can be leveraged to facilitate participant recruitment and ensure data reliability. Finally, the paper discusses techniques for building rapport and establishing trust with participants in highly sensitive and traumatized environments, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and empathy. The reflection on these fieldwork experiences contributes to broader discussions on conducting ethically sound and methodologically robust research in conflict-affected regions.
