Scientific article
OA Policy
English

The symbolic violence of the unspoken : considering physical assault in fieldwork

ContributorsBugnon, Pascaleorcid
Published inSwiss journal of sociocultural anthropology, no. 31, p. 43-48
Publication date2025
Abstract

This paper explores the silence of my traumatic experience, the feeling of vulnerability, and insecurity that affected my fieldwork and the writing process. Drawing on the concept of “auto-reflexivity”, I address the “double violence”, experienced in the field and institution- ally, where the lack of support in my academic environment exacerbated existing trauma. I conclude with recommendations on how individuals, our discipline, and institutions can better prepare and care for researchers. It is crucial that anthropologists discuss and share their experiences by including them in anthropological literature and methodology courses.

Keywords
  • Physical assault
  • Violence
  • Unspoken experience
  • Auto-reflexivity
Citation (ISO format)
BUGNON, Pascale. The symbolic violence of the unspoken : considering physical assault in fieldwork. In: Swiss journal of sociocultural anthropology, 2025, n° 31, p. 43–48. doi: 10.36950/sjsca.2025.31.10458
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Article (Published version)
Identifiers
Journal ISSN2813-5237
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91downloads

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Creation07/10/2025 12:07:06
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Update28/10/2025 10:24:02
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