ABSTRACT
This chapter explores methodological aspects of collaborative ethnographic knowledge production. Ethnography, inherently collaborative, raises methodological questions related to the social, linguistic, spatial and national situatedness of research. The authors delve into the innovative potentials of transnational collaborative formats that extend beyond individual projects and national borders, aiming to connect diverse disciplinary, theoretical and regional traditions. It is argued that such collaboration permits the exploration of cultural forms beyond single sites, aligned to ‘multiscale ethnography’.
It is discussed how collaborative efforts can reexplore ethnographic material already collected and how this can contribute to the development of new insights. Three overarching aspects emerge: first, the challenge of sharing knowledge in transnational collaborations, acknowledging the complexities of different local, national, methodological and theoretical communities. Second, the creation of new knowledge, illustrated through one project drafting alternative futures for universities and another one describing a bricolage resulting from re- and deconstruction processes. Third, the need to address general methodological questions and advance collective conceptualisations and understandings, emphasising the importance of developing an overarching community of practice and dealing with difference and uncertainty. Overall, the chapter aims to advance methodological reflection through a combination of concrete project contexts and general considerations.
