Social mapping at the Thenganayakanahalli village

This paper describes the process of conducting a social mapping exercise in an Indian village, situated 50km away from Bangalore. The author details the lessons learnt as a result of the activity. Issues such as the importance of the time of day and season and of the actual location for the exercise, being prepared for the unexpected and unplanned, ensuring triangulation of data and the barriers caused by language are all discussed. Finally, some major limitations are outlined, which relate to time constraints, social dynamics, language, and gender inequalities.