A Fieldwork Toolkit for Social Science Research on 'Sensitive' Topics in 'Sensitive' Contexts

Based on my research and fieldwork experiences, conducting studies on sensitive topics such as surveillance, censorship, and state control in countries like China and Ethiopia has become increasingly challenging in an increasingly polarized world. Such research is often labeled as "dangerous" and approached with heightened caution, reinforcing external narratives that "other" both the research contexts and the communities involved.  This project aims to improve such gaps (if it's real) by addressing the critical need for ethical, safe, and inclusive fieldwork practices that respect the agency of research participants while supporting researchers navigating complex environments.

Drawing from my fieldwork experiences in East Africa and China, this project seeks to create an open-access toolkit that includes practical safety guides, procedural frameworks, research ethics guidelines, and adaptive response strategies. By sharing these resources, I hope to support fellow researchers working on sensitive topics in the Global South and advocate for the importance of on-the-ground engagement in social science research. In a time when geopolitical tensions and restrictive policies are limiting access to certain regions, this project emphasizes that critical fieldwork—rooted in meaningful connections and local realities—must not be sidelined.

Ultimately, this initiative aims to challenge the Western-dominated narratives in knowledge production and foster a more balanced, globally inclusive approach to social science research. It underscores the necessity of supporting fieldwork-based inquiry, especially in contexts often deemed inaccessible, to resist the deepening of epistemic divides and promote a more just and equitable global research landscape.