Paper short abstract:

Longings are connective forces between here, there and elsewhere. Methods of working with longing can reach from analytical, to self-reflexive, to activist. In this paper I propose a series of methodological exercises that engage longing as a method of enquiry of emerging and fading spatialities.

Paper long abstract:

Part of being human is living on the threshold of unfolding life worlds. Our longings and the longings of others are connective forces between here and there and elsewhere. If we understand ethnographic spaces through the prism of longings, we obtain new ideas about our research partners’ vulnerabilities, movements, value-configurations and imaginaries. Spaces and places of longing are both material and immaterial, and transcend the paradigm of analog/digital. In many fields of anthropological research, from protest movements, to mobilities, to alternative from of living, to radicalisation - there has been an increased attentiveness to longings and desires. It helps us to engage differently and deepen our understanding of interlocutors, field sites, field work communities and of our own positions in the field.

There are many ways of making longings visible and heard in our fieldsites. Methods of working with longings can have different trajectories from analytical, self- reflexive to activist. In this paper I will draw on selection of ethnographies, theoretical writings, and creative practices and propose a series of methodological exercises that engage longing as a method of enquiry of emerging and fading spatialities. These exercises are developed for individuals, pairs, larger groups and include techniques of mapping, dialogue, and movement. The goal of this paper is encourage towards including longing actively and creatively in (ethnographic) participatory research practice, and to initiating a process of thinking about methodological possibilities that is suited one’s own field site and personal researcher skills.