The epistemological problem pervades all research. Demographic research is no exception. In fact, the epistemological problem seems to be more serious in demographic research which is characterized by large-scale sample surveys. Anything smaller than a sample size of 5,000-10,000 households and as many respondents is not only ridiculed but also frowned upon. The instruments of data collection have, therefore, been necessarily lengthy questionnaires and interview schedules. The weaknesses of this macro approach to demographic research, which clearly outweigh its strengths, are being increasingly realized. A small number of social scientists, both in India and outside, engaged in demographic research have been studying small communities adopting what is called micro approach. This approach involves more methods of data collection than one, including participant observation. Studies based on such approach have a smaller universe and cover a village or a small group of villages. These are like the well-known anthropological studies of villages.
May-June 1988, volume 12, No 3