Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of figures
- List of tables
- Contributors
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- Part I Epistemology and philosophy of the social sciences
- Part II Research design
- 10 Concepts and concept formation
- 11 Comparative analysis: case-oriented versus variable-oriented research
- 12 Case studies and process tracing: theories and practices
- 13 Quantitative analysis
- 14 The design of social and political research
- 15 Ethnographic approaches
- 16 Comparing approaches, methodologies and methods. Some concluding remarks
- References
- Glossary
- Index
15 - Ethnographic approaches
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of figures
- List of tables
- Contributors
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- Part I Epistemology and philosophy of the social sciences
- Part II Research design
- 10 Concepts and concept formation
- 11 Comparative analysis: case-oriented versus variable-oriented research
- 12 Case studies and process tracing: theories and practices
- 13 Quantitative analysis
- 14 The design of social and political research
- 15 Ethnographic approaches
- 16 Comparing approaches, methodologies and methods. Some concluding remarks
- References
- Glossary
- Index
Summary
Introduction
Once students in the social sciences have identified their personal research interest, they must find the most appropriate methodology. In this chapter, we explore a methodology central to the qualitative approach in the social sciences: that of ethnography. Its value lies in the flexible process by which it takes place, giving precedence to empirical findings over theoretical formulating. It is described as a naturalistic approach whose main data-gathering and analysing techniques consist of participant observation and open-ended interviewing. Ethnography is also a form of writing that encompasses a research philosophy central to the qualitative approach. Ethnography provides a valuable contribution to the social sciences that can be taken into account by researchers with differing quantitative and qualitative inclinations.
Vignette 1
In a small Spanish town, a group of women, accompanied by a few men and children, walk in silence along the main street, lined by local onlookers. As the evening gradually darkens, the lanterns they carry light up their colourful medieval-style garb. A researcher, also dressed in ceremonial clothes, walks alongside them as they approach a large concrete expanse. Gathered in this space, the members of the group stand in a wide circle surrounding a large heap of wood and bracken. An old woman steps forward from the group and sets fire to it. Soon, a big bonfire is blazing.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Approaches and Methodologies in the Social SciencesA Pluralist Perspective, pp. 296 - 315Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2008
- 30
- Cited by