Development and fieldwork

ABSTRACT

Cultural difference and identity tend not to be a feature of many books on development. Consequently, generations of students in the global North have been socialised into particular modes of thinking about the ‘Third World’ or the ‘less developed world’. In response, this article focuses on the ethical issues raised by the practicalities of fieldwork in development. It highlights some of the problems of conducting research in the global South for both development workers and students on fieldtrips. It concludes by proposing a number of ideas for a more ethical engagement between researchers and those they seek to research and represent.