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local meaning in the field more directly, to Ieam how these forces help negotiate a
particular reality, or whether they truly are at play? Of course, traditional fieldwork is
adequate here in that one may study larger structuring forces (however one wishes to
define them) through any number of analytical models simply by observing people.
Studying forces directly, or codes and flows defined here in the Deleuzean tradition10,
however, may be facilitated by the invention of a vehicle that allows direct access the
particular cross-section of codes and flows pertinent to the research question. MERIA
has proved to be such a vehicle, given the way it operates in the field.
When approaching a particular field site as a representative of MERIA, the
confluence of codes and flows the organization represents elicit a particular reaction at
the site. That is, some flows come together while others are resisted or operate neutrally.
By analyzing the encounter between the field entity and the control (in this case MERIA),
the codes and flows that coalesce in the former become evident. Consider an example: I
approached a local health organization on behalf of MERIA to request vaccinations for
some Romani children. The manager in charge of operations in the Attica region was
very enthusiastic, positive, and sought to develop a program with us that ensured
“sustainability,” was based on “outreach,” and developed “community partnerships.”
The way she conceptualized a working relationship with MERIA, the way she spoke
about her current initiatives, and the way she spoke about Roma (as stakeholders, as
victims of broad discrimination, etc.) indicated that she, and by extension her
organization, was very much in line with current European development industry
concepts, concerns, values, and ideals (which are in turn indicative of particular
10 For the purposes of this work, Deleuzean codes and flows can be thought of as pre-actualized forces and
processes capable of facilitating change at given sites.