Ethnography and participant observation
Why does Stacey argue against the idea of a feminist ethnography?
Because it creates a non-exploitative relationship between the researcher and the researched
Because she fundamentally disagrees with all feminist principles
Because she thinks that the fieldwork relationship is inherently unequal
Because she does not think that ethnography is a useful research method
Because she thinks that the fieldwork relationship is inherently unequal
Stacey (1988) is in disagreement with Reinharz (1992) and Skeggs (2001), who had suggested that feminist ethnography is an empowering way of documenting women’s lives. Stacey argues that like any other fieldworker, the feminist ethnographer is in a position of inauthenticity and dissimilitude in relation to their participants, and that they will ultimately betray these women by imposing an academic interpretation on their lives. The debate centres around the role of the researcher and the lives of the women participants, highlighting the reporting role of the researcher based on their interpretation of events and relationships. This can seem to place the researcher “higher” than the women studied.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 446-447
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 446-447
Because she thinks that the fieldwork relationship is inherently unequal Stacey (1988) is in disagreement with Reinharz (1992) and Skeggs (2001), who had suggested that feminist ethnography is an empowering way of documenting women’s lives. Stacey argues that like any other fieldworker, the feminist ethnographer is in a position of inauthenticity and dissimilitude in relation to their participants, and that they will ultimately betray these women by imposing an academic interpretation on their lives. The debate centres around the role of the researcher and the lives of the women participants, highlighting the reporting role of the researcher based on their interpretation of events and relationships. This can seem to place the researcher “higher” than the women studied.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 446-447
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 446-447
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What is the name of the role adopted by an ethnographer who joins in with the group’s activities but admits to being a researcher?A. Complete participant
B. Participant-as-observer
C. Observer-as-participant
D. Complete observer
What is the difference between “scratch notes” and “full field notes”?
A. Scratch notes are just key words and phrases, rather than lengthy descriptions
B. Full field notes are quicker and easier to write than scratch notes
C. Scratch notes are written at the end of the day rather than during key events
D. Full field notes do not involve the researcher scratching their head while thinking
What is one of the main disadvantages of using the covert role in ethnography?
A. It can be hard to gain access to the social group
B. It is difficult to take notes without arousing suspicion
C. The problem of reactivity: people may change their behaviour if they know they are being observed
D. It is usually too time consuming and expensive to be a realistic option
What is a key informant?
A. A group member who helps the ethnographer gain access to relevant people/events
B. A senior level member of the organisation who refuses to allow researchers into it
C. A participant who appears to be helpful but then blows the researcher’s cover
D. Someone who cuts keys to help the ethnographer gain access to a building
Is it okay to break the law in order to maintain a “cover”?
A. Yes, provided it is not very serious
B. No, never under any circumstances
C. Yes, because otherwise data on criminal activity would never come to light
D. Yes, provided it doesn’t cause physical harm to someone
Which of the following is a component of ethnographic research?
A. Being immersed in a social group or setting
B. Participant observation, interviews, and/or documentary analysis
C. A written account of an ethnographic study
D. All of the above
What is meant by the term “going native”?
A. Doing ethnography as a participant observer
B. Accepting a job in an organization previously studied by the ethnographer
C. Trying to learn to speak a foreign language as well as a native speaker
D. Over identifying with the group and losing research perspective
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