Presentation short abstract

While critical analysis can be generative, it can also provoke ethical tensions, political challenges, and emotional labour. This presentation draws on personal experience of tensions with a research participant, to reflect on how critique might contribute to viable and just agroecological futures.

Presentation long abstract

Scholars are increasingly highlighting the importance of de-romanticising agroecology, and analysing the power dynamics and political economic tensions of agroecological transitions. However, the emotional labour, ethical tensions, and political challenges of conducting and experiencing these kinds of critical analysis are less frequently acknowledged.

In this presentation I share my experience of conducting critical analysis of agroecological projects, and the response I received from one of my interlocuters on reading my work. My research had identified class tensions, discontented workers, capitalistic management practices and value systems in his enterprise, and although I had attempted to highlight the structural imperatives shaping these characteristics, my representation understandably provoked a response.

In this presentation I reflect on the lessons that might be learned from this experience. I identify particular challenges associated with conducting ethnographic research within agroecological movements, where social networks are small, researcher/participant boundaries are often blurred, and political identities are strong. I question how we might conduct critical analyses that build, rather than break down agroecological movements, and how we might share findings and engage research participants in ways that encourage dialogue and collaboration. How do we highlight structural imperatives that individuals are facing, while also holding people accountable for their actions?

While critique can undoubtedly be generative, navigating the relational challenges that ensue requires emotional work and interpersonal skills from both researcher and participant – something that needs to be acknowledged as we seek to build feminist solidarities and engage in research that contributes to viable and just agroecological futures.