Rethinking the Role of Research Methodologist From a Transnational Perspective

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Decolonizing Methodological Norms

Abstract

In this paper, I reflect upon research methodologist’s disciplinary praxis in a transnational context by discussing methodologist’s two roles: technocrat and public intellectual. Building upon existing theoretical discussions, the paper points out that it is meaningful and pressing to understand methodologist’ knowledge production praxis against the transnational movement of people, division of labor, and mobility of knowledge. Two empirical studies are used to shed light on this point––an interview project on some elite Chinese universities’ efforts to institutionalize ethical review board, and a critical ethnographic study on the coming-of-age experience of rural Chinese youths during and after the Cultural Revolution. The paper contributes to the conversation about methodologist’s self-understanding by bringing forward a transnational and de-western centric perspective.

Author

• Pengfei Zhao, University of Florida