Researching my own backyard: inquiries into an ethnographic study

Abstract

Ethnography is a prominent research methodology in the recent times. It is popular not only in the field of Anthropology but also in many other social sciences. My doctorate thesis was also conducted through an ethnographic study examining the ways in which young Muslims of Indonesian background living in Australia construct their identity. In this article, however, I would present a small part of the thesis, in which the methodology will be examined thoroughly. I scrutinise complexities in conducting my ethnographic study and their solutions. In this article, I raise a debate on my research positioning and describe rigorous data interpretation. I also triangulate methods of data collections as a way to improve research quality. In the article, I justify that reflexivity is a strategy to minimise research subjectivities. The challenges and advantages of being a ‘halfie’ researcher will be also explored in this article.

Keywords:

• insider–outsider
• halfie
• reflexivity
• ethnography
• Australian young Muslim
• identity

Notes

1. This fact was observed during my presence in religious programmes in the mosque and in Muslims' houses.