Insider Research in Migration and Music Sociology: Contextualizing Indigenous and (G)local Method(ologie)s in Studying Migrant Musicians

Authors

Carljohnson Anacin, Griffith University - AustraliaFollow

Abstract

Researching migrants in various geographical and social environments necessitates the use of culturally sensitive and contextualized modes of understanding. Migrants’ perspectives, lifeways, and knowledge need to be recognized through proper historical and cultural perspectives. This article discusses the use and potential application of culturally contextualized method(ologie)s in conducting insider research in migration and music sociology, both of which have traditionally been dominated by Western methodologies and scholars. The use of the Filipino method(ologie)s – pakikipagkuwentuhan and pakikilahok – is examined as applied in understanding musical experiences and everydayness of Filipino musicians in Australia. Furthermore, I demonstrate that in such interdisciplinary study, cultural differences in practice, community, and conversations demand (g)localized techniques that benefit both the researcher and respondents. This paper responds to the call to contribute to the decolonization of research methodologies and the co-creation of migrant epistemologies and ontologies.

Keywords

indigenous methods, insider research, migration, music sociology, qualitative methods

Author Bio(s)

Carljohnson Anacin completed his Ph.D. at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia and currently working as a sessional lecturer/tutor and researcher at Griffith University and The University of Queensland. His doctoral research is on the identity, musicality and translocality of Filipino migrant musicians in Australia. Carl's research interests include popular music, migration, social media and interdisciplinary studies. His recent publications include ‘Can you hear me? Are we live yet?’: An autoethnography of online live music performances amid the COVID-19 pandemic (Asiascape: Digital Asia, 2023). Carl is also a practising musician, volunteer worker, photographer, and radio host (Radio 4EB, Brisbane). Please direct correspondence to c.anacin@griffithuni.edu.au

Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the assistance of Prof Andy Bennett, Dr Samid Suliman, and Dr David Baker for their inputs in developing this paper. The anonymous reviewers are also acknowledged for their invaluable feedback.

Publication Date

5-29-2024

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2024.6820

Recommended APA Citation

Anacin, C. (2024). Insider Research in Migration and Music Sociology: Contextualizing Indigenous and (G)local Method(ologie)s in Studying Migrant Musicians. The Qualitative Report, 29(5), 1513-1524. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2024.6820

ORCID ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7815-3715