LUMS Cohort 5, Day 4: Navigating Conflict, Methodology, and Community Impact—A Day of Diverse Research Perspectives
Day 4 of the Research Methodology & Capacity Building Workshop of Humanities & Social Sciences Faculty – Cohort 5 offered an insightful blend of sessions covering conflict research, innovative methodologies, and a compelling grantee presentation that demonstrated the real-world impact of development interventions. Participants continued to immerse themselves in discussions led by leading experts while gaining exposure to research that bridges theory and practice. The day’s proceedings included an inspiring presentation by a CHSS grant recipient, offering a glimpse into the tangible effects of research on communities.
Session 1: Conflict Regions and Minority Research
Session Lead: Dr. Asma Faiz
Readings:
- Elisabeth Jean Wood: The Ethical Challenges of Field Research in Conflict Zones
- Elisabeth Naima Mikkelsen: A Researcher’s Tale: How Doing Conflict Research Shapes Research About Conflict
The day began with a session led by Dr. Asma Faiz, an authority on political conflict and minority rights. Her session, based on the works of Elisabeth Jean Wood and Elisabeth Naima Mikkelsen, navigated the ethical complexities of conducting field research in conflict zones. Dr. Faiz facilitated a discussion on how the volatile nature of these regions impacts the research process and outcomes, particularly when working with minority populations. This session equipped participants with essential ethical considerations and methodologies for conducting sensitive, impactful research in these challenging environments.
CHSS Grantee Session: Living Between the Extremes
Session Lead: Mr. Ibrahim Buriro
Topic: The Impact of Development Interventions on Community Livelihoods, Cultural Practices, and Ecology at Hamal Lake
Following Dr. Faiz’s session, Mr. Ibrahim Buriro, a CHSS grant recipient, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on his research at Hamal Lake. His work investigates the often-overlooked effects of development interventions on local communities, focusing on how these projects influence livelihoods, disrupt cultural practices, and affect the delicate ecosystem surrounding the lake. Mr. Buriro’s research provided participants with a real-world example of how development projects can have wide-ranging consequences, underscoring the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to research that includes ecological and social dimensions.
Session 2: Quantitative and Qualitative Methodology, Oral History
Session Lead: Dr. Salman Rafi
Reading: James Mahoney: After KKV: The New Methodology of Qualitative Research
In this session, Dr. Salman Rafi, an expert in political science and research methods, introduced participants to both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, offering insights into the evolving landscape of qualitative research since the publication of KKV (King, Keohane, and Verba). Dr. Rafi guided participants through the practical applications of combining these methodologies to enhance their research designs, particularly in fields where quantitative and qualitative data intersect to reveal complex social realities.
Session 3: Oral History
Session Lead: Dr. Ilyas Chattha
Readings:
- Pippa Virdee: Remembering Partition: Women, Oral Histories, and the Partition of 1947
- Michel Rolph Trouillot: Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History
Dr. Ilyas Chattha, an expert in oral history and memory studies, concluded the day by leading a session on the significance of oral history as a methodological tool. Drawing from Pippa Virdee’s work on the Partition of 1947, Dr. Chattha highlighted the importance of capturing marginalized voices—particularly those of women—whose experiences have often been excluded from mainstream historical narratives. The session also drew on Michel Rolph Trouillot’s Silencing the Past, prompting participants to critically examine how power dynamics influence the recording and production of history.
An Evening in Anarkali: A Journey to Lahore’s Historic Heart
After a day of academic rigor, the participants were treated to a cultural experience with a trip to Anarkali Bazaar, one of Lahore’s oldest and most vibrant markets. Named after the legendary courtesan Anarkali, the market is known for its bustling streets, rich history, and wide array of traditional goods. As participants strolled through the lively bazaar, they witnessed firsthand the living heritage of Lahore, with its colorful shops, street food vendors, and historic architecture. This visit provided a refreshing break and a chance to connect with the cultural roots that underpin much of the region’s scholarly works.
