Contextualizing data collection in Central Asia: Insights from local researchers' experiences

Since independence, research and academia in Central Asia have undergone significant redevelopment. However, data collection methodologies remain underdeveloped and are often shaped by Western standards. This paper examines the experiences of Central Asian researchers involved in a three-year international project aimed at building a network of local scholars conducting research that reflects regional specificities. Using Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice, we analysed how field, habitus, and capital shape local researchers' practices and experiences, particularly during data collection. According to local researchers, there is an enduring influence of government censorship on academic inquiry, leading to self-censorship among their participants due to fear of repercussions and hesitancy regarding ethical documentation. These challenges complicate fieldwork, raising questions about the reliability and validity of data, emphasising the need for contextually informed research practices. By acknowledging the region’s unique challenges and adopting flexible, culturally sensitive approaches, ethics committees and researchers can deal with the complexities of fieldwork and contribute to a deeper understanding of this dynamic and diverse region.