[Feminist] ethnography in crisis

This chapter explores the challenges and adaptations in ethnographic research conducted in informal spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The chapter explores methodological tools unique to ethnography practices and the changes it underwent due to the restricted conditions during lockdowns. The pandemic disrupted traditional long-term engagements, compelling researchers to rely on brief interactions, digital ethnography, and sparse interactions during fieldwork. The chapter details the complexities of fieldwork in informal spaces, addressing scepticism from respondents and ethical dilemmas amidst global crises. The methodology incorporates feminist ethnography, aiming to capture diverse voices and avoid oversimplification among vulnerabilities. In addition to this, the chapter explores specific tools under feminist ethnography including (self-)reflexivity, polyvocality, and collaboration which aided the authors in presenting a nuanced understanding of vulnerable communities’ experiences. The authors advocate for a pluralistic narrative approach to convey the multifaceted realities of informal spaces during the pandemic, providing insights for policymakers and civil servants aiming to impact grassroots levels.