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Values, environmental vulnerabilities and adaptation in India

Figure 1. The categorization of lived values that may be affected by sea level rise.
Source: Graham, Barnett, Fincher, et al. (2013).
2.4. Data Collection

The study employs two different data collection tools, namely, life history interviews and focus group discussions. Nineteen
life history interviews and two focus group discussions were conducted in the course of a month in Rajasthan. The mode
of life history interviews allows respondents to talk freely and flexibly (Anderson and Jack, 2002). Interviews are a useful
instrument to explore social values and are well-suited to research where the respondent’s in-depth opinions are being
sought (Bryman, 2016). Focus group discussions were initially not part of the research design. These were conducted
during community celebrations held in Pali and Sirohi districts, to which the author was invited. The facilitation of Lokhit
Pashu-Palak Sansthan (LPPS) a local Non-Governmental Organization, as well as the community’s presence, made these
possible. There were 15 male participants in each of these two discussions. Leveraging this opportunity, the researcher
prepared a set of questions based on environmental risks, social values, and risk management strategies, and allowed the
respondents to share their personal experiences, beliefs, and perceptions through a moderated discussion. This technique
allowed for different perspectives to emerge, be contested, and be cross-checked.
2.5. Sampling

The snowball sampling method was employed for this study. The dearth of official records on the Raikas and accessibility
challenges due to their migration cycle made snowballing necessary. First, contact was established with a local Raika,
who agreed to facilitate introductions in Pali and Sirohi districts and translate from the local dialect to Hindi. A second
data collection activity was conducted in Jalore district through LPPS, which works closely with the Raika community.
This process led to the selection of 18 respondents and one key informant. The key informant was selected due to her deep
knowledge and close association with the Raikas. The main characteristics of the respondents are presented in Table 1.

2.6. Data Analysis
The study identified and selected respondents’ descriptions of values that matched the themes in Graham, Barnett, Fincher
et al.’s lived values framework (2013). The five values are (i) esteem, (ii) self-actualization, (iii) safety, (iv) health, and
(v) belongingness. Two separate sets of codes were created: One for past values and the other for new values. Through

58 International Journal of Population Studies | 2020, Volume 6, Issue 1