On April 21st Dr. Anahí Viladrich and research assistant María Gómez participated in the SANA Conference 2006 "Anthropology in an Uncertain Age" with this paper:
THE ETHNOGRAPHIC ENCOUNTER: ROLE REVERSALS AND THE CHALLENGE TO THE INTERVIEWER'S ROLE.
Abstract
In recent years, the literature on reflexive ethnography has focused on understanding the role of emotions and inter-subjectivity in shaping the exchanges between researchers and study participants. Contesting power dynamics has been at the center of most feminist ethnography, which has conspicuously explored the role of class, gender and race-ethnicity in the social exchanges that take place during the ethnographic process.
Nevertheless, a paucity of research exists on the role of interviewees who defy their own position as "informants" by becoming interviewers themselves.
The paper addresses the phenomenon of dynamic resistance through which Latino healers challenge their position as informants, while participating in a study on “Latino folk healing practices” in NYC.
This presentation questions traditional research models by suggesting that in order to achieve a deeper understanding of interactive healing practices, interviewers must surrender, at least partially, to their informants' active role as empowered counselors and impromptu interviewers.
You can download the Power Point presentation here
Click here for pictures of the event.