ANTHMETHGRP1-24-25-STEPH-GUO

[Last modified: December, 6 2024 12:44 AM]

Case Study: Veganism Through Street Art

Ethical Issues

This project raises several ethical concerns:
1. Informed Consent: The researcher must ensure that all interviewees fully understand the purpose of the study and provide informed consent.
2. Accessing a Closed Facebook Group: Gaining access to this group requires transparency. The researcher must disclose their intentions to the group administrator and its members to avoid deception.
3. Public Instagram Account: Although the account is public, its small follower base and personal content may create an implicit expectation of privacy. The researcher should seek consent from the account owner before using their posts.

Addressing These Issues:
Provide clear, written explanations of the study to all participants and obtain their explicit consent.
Be transparent with the Facebook group administrator and members about the research intentions.
Avoid using sensitive online materials without the owner’s consent, even if they are publicly accessible.

Data Protection Issues

Confidentiality: Interview responses and identifiable social media data should be anonymized to protect participants.
Use of Social Media Data: Although public, linking the Instagram posts to specific individuals or locations could expose them to risks.
Data Storage: All collected data must be securely stored in compliance with UCL’s data protection policies and GDPR requirements.

Power and Coercion

Power Imbalances: The vegan artist may feel obligated to participate, particularly due to their young age. The researcher must make it clear that participation is entirely voluntary.
Group Dynamics: Members of the closed Facebook group might feel pressured to engage with the researcher once they are part of the group.

Vulnerable Individuals and Sensitive Topics

Vulnerable Individuals: The Instagram account owner claims to be 18, but this should be verified. If they are under 18, they are considered a vulnerable individual, requiring additional safeguards, such as parental consent.
Sensitive Topics: Street art often involves illegal activities. Participants should not be pressured to disclose incriminating information, and care must be taken to avoid exposing them to legal risks.

Review Process and Risk Assessment

This project involves moderate to high risk due to privacy concerns, power imbalances, and the possibility of exposing participants to harm or legal consequences. It should be reviewed by the UCL Research Ethics Committee (REC) rather than just the Anthropology Ethics Committee, as the REC is better equipped to assess the complex ethical and legal dimensions.

Recommendations

1. Obtain explicit consent from all participants, emphasizing the voluntary nature of participation.
2. Anonymize all data and avoid sharing identifiable details, such as specific locations or personal information.
3. Be upfront with closed group administrators and members about the research aims.
4. If the vegan artist is underage, follow appropriate safeguarding protocols, such as obtaining parental consent.
5. Submit the project to UCL REC for comprehensive ethical review.

[Last modified: December, 6 2024 12:32 AM]

Participating in the workshop on Theatre of the Oppressed gave me a fresh perspective on the potential of performance as a research method. It wasn’t just about exploring social issues—it was about creating a collaborative space where participants could express themselves freely and authentically. What stood out to me most was the role of play in this process. The idea that playfulness can coexist with serious inquiry intrigued me, as it offers a way to engage with participants on their own terms, creating a safe and flexible environment for dialogue.

One aspect I found particularly impactful was the embodied nature of theatre. Unlike written or verbal methods, performance engages not just words but also movement, space, and interaction, which allows for a more layered and nuanced understanding of people’s experiences. This made me reflect on how much is often lost in conventional research approaches and how important it is to incorporate methods that capture these unspoken dimensions of knowledge.

However, the workshop also made me think critically about the ethical responsibilities of using theatre as a method. For example, introducing a Western-centric form of theatre into contexts with different cultural frameworks requires careful consideration. How can researchers avoid imposing their perspectives on issues that they themselves may not have lived through? This question resonated with me deeply and reminded me that, as an anthropologist, my role is not to lead or dictate but to create spaces where participants can guide the process and share their stories on their own terms.

What I found most inspiring was the emphasis on flexibility. The idea of bringing tools or exercises to the table, but being ready to adapt or even abandon them based on participants’ needs, shifted my thinking about how research methods should work. I realized that “play” in research isn’t just about creativity—it’s also about humility and letting go of control to truly empower the people I’m working with.

This experience has left me thinking about how I can apply these insights in my own work. Performance, with its interactive and collective nature, offers a powerful way to break down hierarchies and center marginalized voices. While I may not have a background in theatre, I’m inspired to explore how methods that emphasize collaboration and embodiment can complement more traditional approaches. Most importantly, this workshop reminded me of the need to approach research with openness, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical engagement.

[Last modified: December, 5 2024 09:18 PM]

Hiking at Painshill Park may seem like a simple, everyday activity, but it offers a deeper, more embodied experience when you pay attention to how your body interacts with the environment. The park, with its winding trails and varying terrain, provides an opportunity to become more aware of your body in motion and how physical activity shapes your perception of space.

As I walk through the trails, each step forces me to focus on how my body moves. The gentle inclines and uneven ground require constant adjustment, and I find myself shifting my weight, choosing where to step carefully. With each uphill section, I feel my legs working harder, the muscles in my calves and thighs engaging with each push. My breath becomes more labored, the air feeling cooler in my lungs as I continue to climb. The experience is a reminder that my body isn’t just along for the ride—it’s a vital part of the experience, shaping how I move through the park and how I feel about the journey. The physical effort of hiking not only forces me to pay attention to my body’s limits but also encourages a deeper connection with the surroundings.

The sensory experience of hiking is another layer that makes this activity stand out. As I walk, the natural world around me becomes more vivid. The scent of wet earth and fresh leaves fills the air, grounding me in the moment. I can hear the rustling of the leaves in the wind and the occasional chirping of birds hidden among the branches. The feeling of the cool breeze against my skin contrasts with the warmth of the sun on my face, creating a dynamic sensory experience. These small details remind me that hiking isn’t just about physical exertion; it’s about being present in the environment, using all of my senses to interact with the world around me.

Hiking with others adds yet another layer to the experience. While walking alone allows for personal reflection and a more solitary engagement with the environment, hiking with friends or family changes the dynamic. Our movements become synchronized, our steps matching in rhythm as we navigate the path together. We stop to chat, laugh, and share observations about the landscape. The shared experience creates a sense of connection—not just to the park but also to each other. Our bodies, moving in the same direction, become part of a shared rhythm, reinforcing the idea that the body communicates beyond words. The simple act of walking together, of moving through the same space, strengthens our bond.

[Last modified: December, 5 2024 09:10 PM]

My pilot research project on the experiences of Chinese queer immigrants inherently engages with political dimensions, as it intersects with issues of identity, migration, and belonging. The act of studying a marginalized community is itself political, highlighting voices and experiences often overlooked in mainstream narratives. The participants of my research have intersectional identities in terms of gender, sexuality, nationality, etc. By focusing on the Chinese queer diaspora, my research assumes a stance that recognizes the intersectional challenges of navigating both racialized and queer identities in a globalized context.

This focus includes implicit political orientations. For example, my project assumes that the marginalization faced by queer Chinese immigrants—due to homophobia, racism, and immigration policies—is worthy of academic inquiry and advocacy. The emphasis on amplifying their voices implies a commitment to social justice, challenging existing systems of exclusion and inequality. Additionally, engaging with organizations like QueerChinaUK, which fosters community and cultural preservation, aligns my research with broader movements for LGBTQ+ rights and diasporic solidarity.

My positionality as a queer Chinese researcher further interacts with these political dimensions. While my shared identity with participants fosters empathy and trust, it also means I carry my own assumptions and biases. My experiences with Chinese cultural norms and queer identity may shape the questions I prioritize and the narratives I highlight. This raises questions about whose stories are centered and whose might be unintentionally marginalized. I must remain reflexive, continuously interrogating how my own background influences the political implications of my work.

The potential political outcomes of my research include contributing to policy discussions on immigration and queer rights, as well as fostering greater visibility for Chinese queer communities. However, these outcomes come with risks, such as unintentionally essentializing the community or exposing participants to harm in politically sensitive contexts.

To address these political elements, I must adapt my methods to prioritize ethical considerations. For example, I will ensure that participants’ anonymity is rigorously protected, particularly in contexts where visibility could lead to discrimination or legal repercussions. I also aim to involve participants in shaping the research agenda, empowering them to guide how their stories are represented. By adopting a participatory and iterative approach, I hope to navigate the political dimensions of this research responsibly, ensuring that it remains inclusive, respectful, and impactful.

[Last modified: December, 5 2024 09:03 PM]

Location: Momo’s Garden Café, Gordon Square Park

Observations

Atmosphere:

The café is a quiet nook surrounded by vibrant autumnal trees, some with yellow and orange leaves that flutter in the breeze. The air smells faintly of coffee and damp earth. Small birds hop between tables, scavenging crumbs. There is a low hum of conversation punctuated by the clinking of cups and spoons.

Interactions and Events:

1.A middle-aged woman with a laptop and notebook sits at a corner table, typing furiously. She occasionally glances at her phone.

2.Two university students with backpacks share a table. One gestures animatedly while the other sips coffee and nods. They appear to be discussing coursework.

3.A man in a dark overcoat, holding a takeaway cup, strolls by, briefly stopping to exchange greetings with the barista at the counter.

4.At another table, a young mother helps her child with a slice of cake. The child giggles, smearing chocolate on their fingers, while the mother tries to clean them with a tissue.

5.A pair of construction workers in orange jackets order tea and chat loudly in a mix of English and another language.

Details:

The café’s small wooden tables are arranged in a semicircle, some adorned with succulents in terracotta pots.

A chalkboard near the counter advertises “Hot Chocolate Specials” with a drawing of a steaming mug.

Background music plays faintly, blending classical piano with modern jazz.

Keywords

1.Space

2.Exchanges

3.Everyday rhythms

4.Kinship

Main Keyword of Interest: Exchanges

Ethnographic Vignette

Nestled in the cozy warmth of Momo’s Garden Café, life unfolds in quiet exchanges. The café sits like a peaceful island amidst the bustle of Gordon Square Park, sheltered by the golden embrace of autumn trees. Here, strangers converge momentarily, bound by a shared appreciation for the simple comfort of a warm drink.

Two students at a nearby table lean toward one another, exchanging energetic bursts of dialogue that rise and fall like waves. Their laptops and textbooks form a fortress of learning, their conversation peppered with laughter and nods of agreement. A middle-aged woman at another table remains absorbed in her own world, her fingers flying over her keyboard, perhaps capturing ideas sparked by the café’s ambiance.

The barista behind the counter greets customers with practiced warmth. A man in a dark overcoat pauses to exchange a few friendly words, the familiarity suggesting he is a regular. In another corner, a mother wipes chocolate from her child’s face, their shared laughter mingling with the café’s symphony of clinking cups and murmured conversations.

Even the construction workers, marked by their vivid orange jackets, engage in their own vibrant exchange. Their voices, louder and more animated, create a rhythmic counterpoint to the subdued tones around them. Their laughter cuts through the chill, a reminder of camaraderie that transcends the transient nature of this space.

Here, in this modest café, moments of exchange weave a tapestry of human connection — fleeting yet profound, uniting strangers in the shared rituals of the everyday.

Reflection

The act of taking notes sharpened my awareness of subtle dynamics within the scene, such as body language and conversational rhythms. Although I captured many details, choosing “exchanges” as the focal theme helped me identify the invisible threads connecting disparate individuals. The notes acted as anchors for memory, ensuring the vignette retained the sensory and emotional texture of the moment.

[Last modified: December, 5 2024 08:53 PM]

My research on the post-COVID experiences of Chinese queer immigrants is deeply shaped by my own identity and personal experiences. As a queer Chinese researcher, I occupy a dual role as both an insider and an outsider in this field. On one hand, I share cultural and linguistic commonalities with my participants, which helps establish trust and mutual understanding. This shared background often grants me access to hidden networks and sensitive discussions. On the other hand, my position as a researcher based in an academic institution in the UK places me in a position of privilege, creating a certain distance from the lived realities of my participants. This distance compels me to remain critically aware of my positionality throughout the research process.

My own experiences have inevitably influenced my choice of research focus and perspective. For instance, my navigation of queer identity within a Chinese cultural context has shaped my interest in how queer immigrants construct their identities and relationships in new sociocultural environments. I have also experienced pressure from family as well as social and political background with the identity of a Chinese queer woman living in the UK. However, I recognize that my personal experiences cannot capture the diversity of realities faced by my participants. For example, individuals who migrated under different circumstances or identify differently within the LGBTQ+ spectrum may provide narratives that challenge or expand my understanding. This diversity prompts me to approach my research with openness and a willingness to learn from perspectives that differ from my own.

This dual positionality requires a careful balance between empathy and self-awareness. Collaborating with organizations such as QueerChinaUK has highlighted the importance of community-driven initiatives for marginalized groups. However, I must remain cautious not to impose my interpretations or project my own experiences onto the narratives of others. My role is to amplify their voices rather than overwrite them with my assumptions.

Reflexivity, therefore, is a critical tool for navigating this complexity. By critically reflecting on how my background, biases, and positionality influence my research methods, I strive to create a framework that centers the lived experiences of my participants. This involves designing inclusive research questions, maintaining emotional awareness during fieldwork, and adapting my methodology as my understanding evolves. Ultimately, my goal is to conduct research that is both academically rigorous and deeply respectful of the community I seek to represent.

[Last modified: October, 17 2024 10:54 PM]

For my fieldwork, I visited the UCL student center with the goal of gathering information on Chinese queer communities. Recognizing that finding my target group on campus might be difficult, I initially focused on checking the billboards for any posters or announcements related to queer communities. Unfortunately, I did not come across any specific information that could assist my research.

Realizing that I needed to change my approach, I turned to online research. I used keywords such as “queer,” “Chinese,” and “London” to search for relevant resources. This search led me to discover an organization called QueerChinaUK, which aligns closely with my research interests. QueerChinaUK is a London-based organization that aims to enhance communication and connectivity between the Chinese queer diaspora and LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. Their mission is to empower Chinese-speaking LGBTQ+ and feminist communities through various activities.

As I explored their website and social media platforms, I became particularly interested in their wide range of projects and events. These include cultural and educational initiatives, local queer tours conducted in Chinese, consultancy services, and community-focused queer art programs. Through my observation of how QueerChinaUK fosters community and advocacy, I realized the essential role that organizations like this play in supporting marginalized voices and creating spaces for cultural expression and dialogue.

This discovery has expanded my understanding of the available resources for my research, particularly regarding how Chinese queer immigrants build community in a foreign context. To further explore my research question on the post-COVID experiences of Chinese queer immigrants, I believe engaging with local organizations like QueerChinaUK will be invaluable. I might try to contact them and get involved in their projects and events, which will provide me with an opportunity to meet and converse with individuals from my target group, enriching my fieldwork through direct engagement.

[Last modified: October, 1 2024 05:16 PM]

Welcome to your brand new blog at Reflect – University College London.

To get started, simply log in, edit or delete this post and check out all the other options available to you.

Please see the Reflect Blogging Resource for more information, policies, and how to guides:
https://wiki.ucl.ac.uk/x/KYODBQ