From victims of Distilbène to victims of pesticides: A comparative ethnography of emotions

Having long been excluded from the realm of social sciences, the study of emotions has recently been attracting interest, particularly within the sociology of mobilizations. However, this topic of study presents a challenge for researchers during their field research, especially during ethnographic work, when they are actively involved with people, their affects, and their emotions. The topic of emotions in ethnographic research also raises questions as to the objectivity of researchers, who have to deal with their own emotions and to distance themselves from their objects of study. In this context, a comparative ethnographic approach that involves multiple fields of enquiry can help to tackle these challenges. Based on the study of the Distilbène scandal and of the French farmers who suffered due to pesticides, this methodological article presents the advantages of a comparative ethnography of emotions in sociology and the social sciences.