How to study something we cannot see? Research in communities with trance and possession practices

Schmidt, Bettina (2025) How to study something we cannot see? Research in communities with trance and possession practices. In: The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods in the Study of Indigenous Religions. Routledge Handbooks in Religion . Routledge, London. ISBN 9781032201412

Text Schmidt, Bettina (2025) Trance and possession practices.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 1 October 2027. Available under License CC-BY-NC-ND Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (385kB)

Abstract

Possession and trance are categorized academically as Altered States of Consciousness. They are part of cultures across the world and practiced by all genders and in all religious traditions. However, historically scholars have focused on women and indigenous cultures, highlighting exotic features, and overlooking the normality of the practice. Setting this colonial bias aside, the problem for scholars today is how to study possession and trance without falling into the pitfall of prejudice and misconception. This chapter will address the question of how to research something that cannot be observed or measured, at least without complex technical equipment unsuitable for fieldwork environments. Drawing on research carried out among mediumship religions the chapter reflects on the position of the scholar when conducting research in cultures with possession and trance practices.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	spirit possession, Altered States of Consciousness, Brazil, research methods, trance
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion F History United States, Canada, Latin America > F1201 Latin America (General) G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology
Divisions:	Institutes and Academies > Institute of Education and Humanities > Academic Discipline: Humanities and Social Sciences
Depositing User:	Bettina Schmidt
Date Deposited:	09 Apr 2025 14:01
Last Modified:	09 Apr 2025 14:05
URI:	https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/2810

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