Qualitative research has long been a cornerstone of social science inquiry. It offers rich, in-depth insights into human experiences, social relations, and cultural practices. Among qualitative approaches, ethnography holds a distinct place for its immersive engagement with communities and contexts, enabling researchers to understand the complexities of everyday life. This online workshop on Qualitative Research Methodology, with a Special Emphasis on Ethnographic Research, is designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of social science research, from conceptual foundations to methodological practices. The sessions will explore various tools for qualitative data collection, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and data analysis using NVivo.

A significant component of the workshop will focus on ethnography, examining its origins in anthropology, historical development, and transformations in post-colonial, urban, gendered, and digital contexts. Participants will be introduced to key ethnographic theories, techniques, and methods, including participant observation, fieldwork, questions of subjectivity and reflexivity, feminist and digital ethnography, and the ethics of fieldwork. By combining theoretical grounding with practical training, this workshop aims to equip participants with critical perspectives and methodological skills to conduct robust qualitative research. They will also be trained in processing the information collected, joining the dots and doing meaningful analysis and report writing. A short field visit by participants will provide hands-on experience, ensuring that they gain both conceptual clarity and practical competence in ethnographic research.