Ethnographic Observation

Description Writing is not that simple. The farther you go in your academic or professional career, the less you are able to simply report what you see. The more you know about your chosen field, the more you realize that the researcher argues for his/her point of view even as he/she reports the facts. Ethnographers study social communities (“cultures”) from the inside out – the researcher lives in and among the people she studies for months or years, speaking the language, participating in daily life. They take copious notes on the details of everyday life and transcribe thousands of hours of taped conversations. They write articles or books finding patterns and lessons in this massive data. The researcher is part of the situation being studied. They cannot possibly observe a socialsituation without being part of it. The researcher cannot pretend it has objectivity. Most ethnographers admit their own feelings, points of view, and social roles in the community. They are “participant/observers” in the culture. By admitting their human point of view, they allow their readers to second-guess them, if necessary. They allow us to read their results in a more informed way. Objective: We will do a mini-version of an ethnographic observation, with this goal: to practice a form of research that mixes facts and observations with a personal point of view. We will practice writing in a researcher’s voice, one that reports the facts, but also uses them to interpret and even to argue. Assignment You will participate in any social activity. You can choose to try something new or do something that you usually do with your family or friends. Examples: Going to a social event, political campaign, activist / grassroots community building activity, religious event or practice, going to a park, to the movies, shopping, a museum, a show, watching a sport or playing a sport, etc…. You will observe the activities you participate in. Take notes on as many details as you can. The goal is to observe as closely as possible in order to make an interesting analysis. Reporting your experience: The first part of your paper will report what you experienced. The introduction can identify what you did, where and when you participated. Make sure that you take in to consideration the anthropological perspective of the activity you are participating in (Historical background analysis if needed). The first part of the body will report your observations. What did you see and hear? What did you witness? Who did you talk to ? Interpreting your experience: The second part of your paper’s body will try to find patterns and lessons in what you observed. You should try to bring up as many questions about your observation as you can think of. In addition, reflect upon what is the value of your particular observation, why is the argument of your data relevant?