BLOG - Rice Wine and Fieldwork in China: Some Reflections on Practicalities, Positionality and Ethical Issues

Nicholas Loubere

Research output: Other contribution

Abstract

As anyone who has spent time in China can attest, the most common way to make new social connections, strengthen old ties, or simply spend time with family and friends is through group meals. When first entering a fieldwork site in China, researchers will invariably be required to spend a significant amount of time attending meals with potential research subjects and gatekeepers. Heavy drinking is frequently a prominent feature of these meals, with the customary drink being a strong rice wine (40% alcohol or higher) known as baijiu. Throughout the meal toasts are given and attendees are then expected to drink an entire glass of rice wine (ganbei) in order to show friendship and respect.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherThe London School of Economics and Political Science - Field Research Method Lab
Place of PublicationLondon, UK
Publication statusPublished - 2014

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