Introduction
The book by George and Sharon Bohn Gmelch (2018) is a unique and exciting account of the decades of fieldwork that researchers did both alone and together with their students. The narration is very vivid, with numerous descriptions and examples of failures, achievements, apprehensions, and successes. The book is an exquisite depiction of the overall impressions of field researchers who have dedicated most of their lives to this work.
Preparation for Fieldwork: Steps Taken by the Gmelchs and Their Students
Working in the field requires hard work and thorough preparation. Before arriving in the field, the Gmelchs and their students engaged in in-depth analysis of social-science literature on the site they were about to work on. They also prepared to leave their culture behind and fully engage in the lives of those whose culture they wanted to study.
The researchers analyzed the possible conflicts and thought about solutions to them. They also considered various ways of building rapport with the subjects and made plans to eliminate the excessive friendliness in relationships, which could distract them from their research purposes. Learning about the future site and preparing for possible complications is crucial to arriving at a new place.
Data Collection Methods Used by the Gmelchs and Their Students
One of the significant differences between class and fieldwork is how data is collected. In the classroom, students are isolated from real life and only observe it from textbooks or visual resources. Meanwhile, when collecting data in the field, learners can immerse themselves in the atmosphere they are examining. During their fieldwork, the Gmelchs and their students gathered data primarily by communicating with the local people. The researchers also ‘hung out’ with the locals and observed their conduct, noting everything they saw and heard.
Other ways of data collection included attending gatherings and religious ceremonies, during which the Gmelchs and their students received a unique opportunity to learn about authentic customs and observe cultural beliefs. Additionally, students were tasked with conducting interviews with the locals and attending one evening participant visit in the local bingo halls. These types of data collection are unique and productive, helping the researchers to receive as many valuable facts about the sites and people under study as possible.
Building Rapport in Fieldwork: Strategies and Importance
Establishing rapport with the subjects of research is a highly significant element of the fieldwork since, when done unsuccessfully, it can undermine the success of the whole endeavor. When sharing their experience in this regard, the Gmelchs admit they were constantly on the guard of their behavior. They had to be amiable but not too amiable and wanted to demonstrate interest but not seem too curious or intrusive (Gmelch & Gmelch, 2018). The general approach to creating affinity was to behave politely and engage in the typical activities of the subjects. That way, it became possible for researchers to break the ice and make the locals feel reassured.
However, this is not always easy, especially in the beginning, so the Gmelchs note that their relationships with the subjects were built on trial and error. Ultimately, they could build rapport by demonstrating their perseverance and dedication to their research. This approach seems the most viable one for those who endeavor to succeed in collecting firsthand data. While creating new relationships poses some difficulties and sometimes even threats, researchers cannot proceed without passing this stage.
Challenges and Adaptability in Different Field Sites
The Gmelchs have researched various places, some of which sounds romantic and exciting, whereas others look pretty challenging. The site I would have the most difficulty adjusting to is Sitka, Alaska. I think it would be difficult for me to adjust to the conditions in which these people live, mainly how they collect food. While examining hunting, fishing, gathering, and other activities is fascinating, I am afraid I would not feel comfortable due to my animal rights views. Also, I might not easily accommodate this site’s weather conditions.
On the other hand, adjusting to the field site in Ireland for the photography mission would take me a little time. The thing is that I am fascinated with nature and photography, and I would feel in my element on this mission. Fieldwork is not just similar to recreational photography. Still, I believe that working in Ireland would allow me to do my research work and enjoy the picturesque nature. Overall, I am sure that I can adjust to any circumstances or sites for the sake of research.
Conclusion
The book is valuable for layperson readers who want to learn about exciting sites and unknown people. First and foremost, it is a brilliant depiction of what it truly is like to work as a field researcher. In a masterful and professional way, the authors present all the challenges of fieldwork but do not undermine this labor’s romantic and adventurous nature.
Reference
Gmelch, G., & Gmelch, S. B. (2018). In the field: Life and work in cultural anthropology. University of California Press.