Engaged ethnography in deindustrialised communities : navigating epistemological challenges between solidarity and critical engagement

This presentation examined the epistemological challenges of conducting engaged ethnography in a deindustrialised South Wales community. It explored how to critically engage with the ‘left behind’ narrative without dismissing lived experiences and navigated the tension between solidarity and critical inquiry. It questioned how narratives of abandonment and resistance shape class and identity while reflecting on moments where breaking with the field is necessary to avoid reproducing dominant narratives. By addressing this dilemma, the presentation contributed to discussions on activism, research, and the role of reflexivity in participatory ethnography.