‘Insider-Outsider’: Navigating Challenges and Complexities in Cross-national and Cross-cultural Fieldwork

A BSA Postgraduate Forum Regional Event

21 May 2025 (12:30-4:30 BST)
12.21/12.25 Social Science Building, Woodhouse, University of Leeds, LS2 9DA

About the Event

Conducting fieldwork across national and cultural boundaries presents unique challenges. Despite the diversity of the PGR community and our research, there are limited spaces within academic settings where PGRs can openly discuss and reflect on these challenges in cross-national and cross-cultural fieldwork. This event seeks to address this gap by providing a dedicated forum for international and home PGRs to share their field experiences and learn from one another. The event creates a platform for PGRs across sociological research who are planning, conducting, or have completed cross-cultural and cross-national research.

Chairs

Dr Li Sun (Associate Professor of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds)
Dr Tesfalem Yemane (Visiting Fellow, University of Leeds)
More details will be published at a later stage.

Abstract Submission

We welcome paper presentations which explore one or more of the methodological and ethical challenges of international research outside of the UK for PGRs including, but not exclusively:

Research reflexivity and positionality in different cultural, political, or social contexts.
Navigating asymmetrical power relationships with interlocutors.
Doing ethical research in non-Western cultures.
Researcher responsibilities in researching sensitive topics and /or vulnerable populations.
Lost in translation? Adapting communication styles, language and contextual concepts to local communities in fieldwork; data transcribing and analysis process.
International research and challenging Western-centric Methodologies in global research.

These themes are descriptive and flexible. Please do still apply if your paper is outside of these themes.

To submit an abstract, please send your 250-300 word abstract (doc. or pdf. format) with the subject tittle of BSA PG Event Abstract to Luna Fu. Submission deadline: 31 March 2025

Note: Each successful participant will present their paper in one of our designated panels within a 15-20-minute timeframe.

Key Dates

Deadline for abstract submissions: Monday, 31 March 2025
Abstracts decisions: submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis with final decisions being sent no later than 17 April 2025
Registration opens: Tuesday, 2 April 2025

Registration

This is a free event, but registration is required. There are a limited number of face-to-face places (max 50 people) and spaces will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

The event will be hosted by the School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, supported by the Centre for Interdisciplinary Gender Studies, and the Families, Life course and Generations research groups. The event is convened by Luna Fu, Zexuan He and Karen Tatham, Postgraduate Researchers.

Any enquiries regarding the event or the submission please contact the event organisers, Luna Fu, Karen Tatham and Zexuan He.