Emic and etic perspectives in transnational migration research: methodological reflections of a cross-national research team
Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
14439883
eISSN
14480980
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85186178230
Journal Title
Qualitative Research Journal
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Qualitative Research Journal (2024)
Suggested Citation
Sasiwongsaroj K., Ono M., Duangkaew S., Kimura Y. Emic and etic perspectives in transnational migration research: methodological reflections of a cross-national research team. Qualitative Research Journal (2024). doi:10.1108/QRJ-12-2023-0185 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/97499
Title
Emic and etic perspectives in transnational migration research: methodological reflections of a cross-national research team
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Abstract
Purpose: This article presents fieldwork perspectives and research reflexivity gained from the cross-national research team, with the aim of promoting better qualitative research practices in transnational research. It focuses on how the team incorporates diverse cultural perspectives and insider and outsider roles to enhance the research in the data collection process. Design/methodology/approach: This article is drawn from the authors' qualitative research with 25 Japanese retirees in Thailand, addressing cultural challenges encountered by researchers in the cross-national team when conducting field research. Findings: Our findings indicate that researchers with an emic view in the cross-national team who shared nationality and cultural background as the participants facilitated an effective recruitment process and productive collaboration in data gathering. They also served as cultural brokers, tailoring smooth communication during interviews on certain cultures, participant traits and sensitive issues. On the other hand, the outsiders helped the team uncover more transnational issues that the insiders had overlooked. Additionally, combining emic and etic perspectives helps to avoid ethnocentric narratives or purely etic and emic conclusions. Originality/value: This article addresses a gap in the methodological reflections in transnational research that remains largely overlooked. Our reflection highlights the advantages of cross-national teams, which include researchers from emigration and immigration countries. Their status and roles as insiders and outsiders significantly facilitate a positive impact on the research process and increase the extent of investigating the complex cultural dynamics of transnational practices. The incorporation of emic and etic perspectives is suggested in the methodological approach for transnational migration research.