Literacy Practices of The Mumbai Dabbawalas, India: Writing an Ethnographic Case Study

by Uma Krishnan

Overview

This book explores the Mumbai Dabbawalas, an indigenous group in India, and their literacy practices within their business world. The author aims to demonstrate how she conducted her ethnographic case study as a model for others to follow in their own research. She takes the readers on a narrative journey, chronicling her decision to conduct the study and the completion of her dissertation. Through this journey, she highlights the influence of "literacy" definitions, particularly the autonomous model, on non-Western and indigenous groups, and how these definitions have impacted their literacy practices.

Using qualitative research methods, the author provides readers with insights into conducting a cross-cultural international ethnographic case study. She offers detailed explanations of her coding process and how she analyzed the extensive data to support her argument that the Dabbawalas' literacy practices contribute to their success. Additionally, Dr. Krishnan's cross-cultural study adds a new dimension to the field of ethnographic case study and challenges the autonomous model of literacy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433183133
Publisher:	Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers
Publication date:	08/05/2024
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 1.50(h) x 9.50(d)

About the Author

Uma S. Krishnan is a Professor at Kent State University, where she holds various roles. She is the head of the Writing Internship Program and serves as the Associate Writing Program Coordinator in the Department of English. Additionally, she is an honorary faculty in the Religion Studies-Minor Program. Outside of her academic responsibilities, she serves as the faculty advisor for the May 4 Task Force (M4TF) Student Organization and as Assistant Co-chair for the Global/Non-Western Standing Group, College of Composition and Communication.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Part 1 – Dream

1. Visualizing the research topic/project
2. Narrowing and Providing rationale for choosing a specific topic
3. Choosing a dissertation director
4. Formatting the research question
5. Developing a rough sketch of methods section
6. Passing the Citi Test and Writing the IRB: What is an IRB? Why IRB?
7. Preparing the prospectus or proposal for submission to the committee

Part 2 – Design

8. Understanding the methodology
9. Choosing the location and participants
10. Chalking out other aspects of the study in minute details- including writing field notes
11. Arriving at the location – Bounding the study
12. Designing the data collection

Part 3 – Develop

1. Unpacking all aspects of the field notes including Transcribing and Translating
2. Beginning of Coding-fracturing and reducing: From data dump to data saturation to data theorization
3. Recognizing the complexity and beauty in coding through personal memos and

Deciphering the larger picture to overcome frustration

4. Crosschecking and ensuring ethical practices: Triangulation and New discovery – triangle becomes cyclical
5. Findings based on selective coding and deciphering the larger picture
6. Writing the Ethnographic case study and feeling Upsilamba

Part 4 – Demonstrate

7. Sending the chapters to the committee
8. Preparing for the defense
9. Developing confidence and defending your brainchild
10. Succeeding in your efforts and congratulating yourself on a job well done
11. Submitting to the national repository- Official completion of M.A/Ph.D