Resp 12

I continue to make steady progress with my project on the Jamaican diaspora in the United States. I have chosen a qualitative research approach, and this method has helped me to immerse myself in different environments, build rapport with  interviewees, and experience diasporic activities in real time. 

So far i have created an ethnographic map, which is a visual representation of my research themes and their interconnections. The map has been instrumental in guiding my research due to its simple layout. At the center of the map is my core concept: "Jamaican Diaspora in the United States." Branching out from this are the four main themes I identified: Cultural Conservation and Dissemination, Intersectionality and Self-Identity, Community Formation and Networking, and Advocacy and Representation. Each theme further branches out into specific elements, providing a comprehensive overview of my research focus.

To aid in my data collection and analysis, I have been reading seminal works on ethnography and diaspora studies, including Emerson, Fretz, & Shaw's "Writing Ethnographic Fieldnotes" (2011) and Alinejad et al.'s "Diaspora and mapping methodologies: Tracing transnational digital connections with ‘mattering maps’" (n.d.). These readings have provided me with valuable insights into ethnographic research methods and the complexities of diasporic experiences.

In terms of theoretical frameworks, I have decided to use intersectionality and cultural preservation theories, since intersectionality theory allows me to understand the multiple identities of the Jamaican diaspora and the complexities of navigating these identities in the United States. Cultural preservation theory is helping me explore how the diaspora maintains and transmits its cultural heritage. I considered but ultimately rejected postcolonial theory, though, as it did not adequately address the contemporary experiences and challenges of the diaspora.

I predict that my research will underscore the importance of cultural preservation activities and social events in fostering community cohesion and identity affirmation within the Jamaican diaspora. I also anticipate highlighting the challenges of navigating multiple identities and the need for advocacy and representation within the diasporic community.

Potential ethical dilemmas I have considered continue to include ensuring informed consent, maintaining participant confidentiality, and avoiding any potential harm to participants. I have addressed these by obtaining consent from interviewees, anonymizing participant information, and ensuring my research does not negatively impact my participants.

My goal is to see my research contribute to a deeper understanding of the Jamaican diaspora in the United States.

References

Alinejad, D., Candidatu, L., Mevsimler, M., Minchilli, C., Ponzanesi, S., & V. D. Vlist, F. (n.d.). Diaspora and mapping methodologies: Tracing transnational digital connections with ‘mattering maps’. Global Networks. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/GLOB.12197

Emerson, R. M., Fretz, R. I., & Shaw, L. L. (2011). Writing Ethnographic Fieldnotes. University of Chicago Press.