Introduction

Conflict and Society, vol. 7, pp. 96–106

Abstract

While many anthropologists have previously reflected on longitudinal ethnography— for example distinguishing between different categories of longitudinal research, including the ethnographic revisit, either by the same or another researcher, diachronic research projects, involving continuous and sustained engagement over time, or so-called large-scale or multigenerational projects, among others—there has been little reflection on the way particular topics of research might impact on the longitudinal research process. In particular, we argue here that the stakes of longitudinal ethnographic research come to the fore particularly starkly in relation to studies of violence. More specifically, longitudinality potentially both enhances certain risks inherent to carrying out research on violence, while also offering unique opportunities for better understanding the phenomenon more reflexively.

Authors 3

1. Lidewyde H. Berckmoes Aachen African Studies Centre Leiden

   Leiden University · African Studies Centre

   Affiliation as printed

   African Studies Centre Leiden, Leiden University, The Netherlands l.h.berckmoes@asc.leidenuniv.nl

2. Marie Rosenkrantz Lindegaard

   Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement

   Affiliation as printed

   Netherlands Institute for Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR) mlindegaard@nscr.nl

3. Dennis Rodgers

   Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

   Affiliation as printed

   Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Switzerland dennis.rodgers@graduateinstitute.ch