Fieldwork Under Fire: Contemporary Studies of Violence and Culture

by Carolyn Nordstrom (Editor), Antonius C.G.M. Robben (Editor)

Fieldwork Under Fire is a path-breaking collection of essays written by anthropologists who have experienced the unpredictability and trauma of political violence firsthand. These essays combine theoretical, ethnographic, and methodological points of view to illuminate the processes and solutions that characterize life in dangerous places. They describe the first, often harrowing, experience of violence, the personal and professional problems that arise as troubles escalate, and the often surprising creative strategies people use to survive.

In "writing violence," the authors give voice to all those affected by the conditions of perpetrators as well as victims, civilians and specialists, black marketeers and heroes, jackals and researchers. Focusing on everyday experiences, these essays bring to light the puzzling contradictions of lives disturbed by the simultaneous existence of laughter and suffering, of fear and hope. By doing so, they challenge the narrow conceptualization that associates violence with death and war, arguing that instead it must be considered a dimension of living.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Politics

308 pages, Paperback

First published December 6, 1995

Reviews

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book is a bit dated, it's coverage of experiences and ethical concerns about doing anthropological work in violence-affected settings is excellent. It took me a while to get through this book simply because some of the insights are so profound that I needed to take time to really reflect on them. Absolutely excellent book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though a bit older, the last chapter in particular (by Jeffrey Sluka) is very valuable in its practical advice for considering dangerous fieldwork. The range of contexts and topics is vast and very worthwhile for anyone considering difficult fieldwork.