Het omarmen van betrokkenheid en reciprociteit in etnografisch onderzoek met people-on-the-move

During my ethnographic fieldwork in Thessaloniki, Greece, I explored the harmful effects of European and Greek migration control policies on people-on-the-move. Through observations and interviews, I witnessed systemic discrimination and violence, which led me to question my ‘neutral stance’ as a researcher. In this contribution, I advocate for a more engaged and reciprocal approach in ethnographic research with people-on-the-move. This approach emphasizes the importance of recognising and respecting the autonomy of research participants, showing them empathy, and giving back to them. By moving away from a purely ‘neutral’ stance as a researcher, we can produce richer, more authentic data and foster ethical research practices that better address the complexities and human aspects of migration.