PÅ GYNGENDE GRUND: Udfordringer ved den multilokale forskningsmetode

Abstract

George E. Marcus has introduced the notion of a multi-sited ethnography as an attempt

to deal methodologically and analytically with anthropological fieldwork in a postmodern

era. This article discusses some of the crucial challenges of this approach.

Particular attention is paid to the various ‘tracking strategies’ suggested by Marcus,

e.g. “following the conflict”. A study of an institutional complex of complaint boards,

established to secure the legal rights of social clients in Denmark, works as an empirical

illustration. It is shown how the idea of “following the conflict” helped to organise the

research process. However, this tracking strategy contained some difficulties of its

own, and the principle of multi-locality highlighted unexpected aspects of the “conflicts”

between state and citizen. This prompts reflection upon the sort of knowledge than can

be gained from doing ethnographic fieldwork. The article concludes by suggesting

multi-sited ethnography as an important and promising tool in anthropological research.

Most importantly, it helps the ethnographer to consider and handle the unpredictability

of fieldwork in a structured and yet flexible manner.