Mapping Masculinities: Methodologies for Dissecting Gender Dynamics in Fijian Political Institutions

This paper delves into the methodological approaches employed in studying masculinities within Fiji's political institutions, emphasizing the 11-month intensive fieldwork that underpins this research. It critically reflects on the tools and techniques used to navigate the intricate interplay of gender, power, and ethnicity in Fiji's post-colonial context. The study adopts a political ethnography framework, integrating qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews, participant observation, and discourse analysis to capture the diverse and dynamic masculine identities and practices within Fiji's political parties and parliament. The fieldwork involved extensive engagement with male and female political actors, requiring careful negotiation of access and trust-building to facilitate in-depth interviews and participant observation. The research also entailed a thorough analysis of political discourses, examining speeches, policy documents, and media representations to understand the construction of masculinities in the political sphere. A key aspect of the methodology is its intersectional approach, considering how ethnicity, class, and age intersect with gender, shaping experiences and expressions of masculinity. This perspective is vital for comprehending the construction of masculinities concerning Fiji's ethnic divisions and political history, thereby offering insights into the negotiation and contestation of gender and power in the political arena. The paper also discusses the ethical considerations and reflexivity required in conducting gender-focused research in politically sensitive contexts. It reflects on the researcher's positionality and the impact of cultural and social dynamics on the research process, underscoring the importance of culturally sensitive and contextually aware research practices. In conclusion, this research contributes to global methodological discourses in gender and political studies, providing valuable insights into the study of masculinities in the Global South, informed by extensive fieldwork and methodological rigour.