JRP Submission ID#153
Title: Building Social Sustainability Within Cross-Cultural Research
Practice
Section: Main Article
Submitted: Nov 26, 2008
Size: About 8,500 words (including notes and references)

ABSTRACT: Undertaking qualitative research in social science contexts
requires a reflexivity and capacity for introspection. This need is
amplified when working in cross cultural milieu. Indigenous peoples
are weary of the researcher gaze. This paper reflects upon the
personal journey taken by a doctoral researcher in the field of
Indigenous resource management. In presenting this experience, the
nexus between research and practice is considered, and the importance
of basing cross cultural research on principles of social
sustainability highlighted. The paper concludes with a presentation of
a research framework which incorporates these values to facilitate
rigorous and ethical research practice.

KEYWORDS: indigenous; research; social sustainability; Australia;
cross-cultural research

EXCERPTS:

In Australia, a wide range of research protocols and guidelines are
available for application in cross cultural research contexts. For
example, the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Studies (AIATSIS) has a set of principles that can be used as
a basis for negotiations with Indigenous communities . . . [see
http://www.aiatsis.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/3512/EthicsGuideA4.pdf ]

These protocols provide a sound starting basis for engaging Indigenous
communities. However, it is important to note, the case study for this
paper shows that such protocols are simply that, a start. . . .

Having established a set of working baselines for the research, a
decision was made to develop a research protocol, and comprised the
first step in the fieldwork at Hope Vale. Such protocols have been
found to be useful in building bridges between cultural perceptions of
the project at hand . . .

Overall, the four stage framework developed and implemented during
this research project attempted to ensure that the research was
conducted in a cross culturally appropriate and academically credible
way. Critical reflection highlights that there were still a number of
issues that nonetheless needed addressing in the specific context of
working with Hope Vale. . . .

Having worked through this research framework, the parties involved,
will be able to establish and be engaged in the production of socially
just conservation research processes and outcomes. There are a number
of advantages to this engagement process in research contexts. First
it ensures that, prior to any research process getting underway each
party has a clear understanding of each other's perspective, their
differences and similarities. . . .

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Reviewers familiar with such issues may kindly respond.

DP
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