Life Histories

 In order to get a better understanding of people's life experiences in relation to migration,

gender roles and ideologies, and domestic and public roles, I recorded life histories, interviewing

both Ladino and Mayan men and women from different segments of the community. This

complemented the semi-structured interviews by capturing life-cycle development, community

history, and changes in perception of community relations regarding ethnicity, gender, and

ideology.

Structured Ethnographic Surveys

 I conducted a structured ethnographic survey in order to get a more comprehensive idea of

the actual impact of migration and remittances on individuals and the community. The survey

was completed for one sector of the community but did not reflect a representative sample. Data

obtained from the surveys complimented other qualitative forms of research.

Digital Video and Photography

 While conducting fieldwork, I carefully employed the use of digital video and

photography; because of the Pinultecos' reliance on this form of media to communicate with

their migrant family members, this proved to be a huge success. I used digital video to record

semi-structured interviews, focus groups, community events, family occasions, and personal

messages. I collected hundreds of hours of video footage.

 I was often asked to attend community and family events for the sole purpose of sending

these materials to loved ones abroad. Family functions, such as birthday parties, weddings,

housewarmings (blessing of newly-constructed homes), and the progress of home construction

and other important investments such as in cattle, were a popular event for transnational viewing.

Local community events included the various saints' festivals, rodeos, and beauty pageants.

Personalized messages were occasionally filmed, mostly in cases of crisis and distress. On both