Fieldwork in Area Studies

 

On May 24, the 8th Academic Symposium on "Fieldwork in Area Studies," jointly hosted by Shanghai International Studies University and the Shanghai Institute for International Studies, took place in Shanghai. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on key issues related to fieldwork, including its theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, ethical challenges, and cross-cultural adaptation.

 

Jiang Feng, chairman of the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies (SAGGAS), highlighted the irreplaceable significance of fieldwork in area studies. He argued that emphasizing firsthand experience is essential for deepening and advancing research in this field. Fieldwork enables researchers to obtain primary data, correct biases, drive theoretical innovation, and enhance their understanding of political and social structures. Ultimately, it strengthens the authenticity and explanatory power of research.

 

Li Kaisheng, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Institute for International Studies, suggested that fieldwork should be conducted with a passion for scholarship, which can help researchers overcome practical difficulties and engage deeply with the subject matter. He recommended that universities strengthen the integration of theoretical and methodological courses to encourage scholars to step out of their comfort zones and produce high-quality research outcomes.

 

Published in Social Sciences Weekly, Issue 1956, Page 4