Digital Cultural Sciences

Qualitative Research as "digital handcraft"?

Abstract

Research within many areas of cultural anthropology is now digital. But how do digital processes change methodological settings? Where is digitally permeated research being realized? Where is it being problematized or contrastingly, where is it taken for granted? Where are practices not being changed, but kept as they were, without digital support? Based on inquiries into German-speaking cultural anthropology in 2018 and 2019, the paper reflects and systematizes the practices of digital-cultural anthropological work. Currently, generic tools are preferred, which clearly stand in reference to analogue practices. Digital practices of one’s own scientific work are seldom reflected, even though digital everyday life is a settled field of study, and research – no matter the area of study – is accompanied by digital devices, infrastructures, possibilities and problems.