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Ethnographic research is a method used by anthropologists and sociologists to study and understand different cultures and societies. This type of research involves immersing oneself in the culture being studied, participating in everyday activities, and observing social interactions. Ethnographic essays are written based on this research, providing a detailed and in-depth analysis of a particular culture or community. If you are looking for inspiration for your ethnographic essay, here are 130 topic ideas and examples to consider:

• The impact of globalization on a remote indigenous community
• Gender roles in a traditional African tribe
• Rituals and ceremonies in a Mexican village
• Youth culture in urban Japan
• Food traditions in a Middle Eastern country
• Religious practices in a Hindu temple
• Family dynamics in a Hispanic immigrant community
• Education system in a rural African village
• Healthcare practices in a Native American tribe
• Social hierarchy in a Southeast Asian society
• Dating and courtship rituals in a European country
• Art and music in a Caribbean island
• Traditional healing methods in an Aboriginal community
• Political activism in a South American country
• LGBTQ+ rights in a Middle Eastern society
• Indigenous land rights in Australia
• Community festivals in a European city
• Language preservation in an African tribe
• Traditional crafts in a Southeast Asian village
• Environmental conservation practices in a Pacific island
• Indigenous storytelling traditions in North America
• Street food culture in a South Asian city
• Marriage customs in a Middle Eastern country
• Urban migration in a Latin American city
• Traditional dance forms in an African country
• Social media use in a Western society
• Traditional clothing in a South Asian culture
• Teenage subcultures in a European city
• Aging population in a developed country
• Indigenous governance in a Pacific island nation
• Homelessness in a North American city
• Gender equality in a Scandinavian country
• Cultural assimilation in an immigrant community
• Folklore and mythology in an Asian country
• Climate change adaptation in a coastal community
• Music festivals in a Western country
• Indigenous resistance movements in a Latin American country
• Traditional farming practices in an African village
• Youth activism in a Southeast Asian society
• Cultural appropriation in a Western society
• Traditional medicine in an Asian country
• Community policing in a Caribbean island
• Dance clubs in a European city
• Gender identity in a South American culture
• Traditional architecture in a Middle Eastern city
• Street art in a North American city
• Indigenous languages in a Pacific island nation
• Social welfare programs in a Scandinavian country
• Refugee integration in a European country
• Youth unemployment in a developing country
• Indigenous art forms in an African tribe
• LGBTQ+ representation in a South Asian society
• Urban planning in a Middle Eastern city
• Environmental activism in a Pacific island nation
• Indigenous rights movements in Australia
• Traditional music in a Caribbean island
• Social media influencers in a Western society
• Traditional healing practices in an Asian country
• Community gardens in a Latin American city
• Gender-based violence in a Southeast Asian society
• Cultural heritage preservation in a European city
• Traditional clothing in a North American indigenous community
• Peer pressure in a Western high school
• Indigenous storytelling traditions in a Pacific island nation
• Urban gentrification in a Scandinavian city
• Refugee camps in a Middle Eastern country
• Indigenous land disputes in a South American country
• Traditional dance forms in an African village
• Social media activism in a Western society
• Gender roles in a South Asian family
• Traditional crafts in a Caribbean island
• Cultural diversity in a European city
• Youth empowerment programs in a Latin American country
• Indigenous education initiatives in Australia
• Traditional music in a Southeast Asian village
• Gender equality in a Pacific island nation
• Community policing in a North American city
• LGBTQ+ representation in a Scandinavian society
• Traditional medicine in an African tribe
• Climate change adaptation in a South American community
• Music festivals in a Middle Eastern country
• Indigenous resistance movements in an Asian country
• Traditional farming practices in a Pacific island nation
• Youth activism in a European city
• Cultural assimilation in a North American immigrant community
• Folklore and mythology in a South Asian culture
• Street food culture in a Latin American city
• Marriage customs in a Caribbean island
• Indigenous governance in a Western society
• Homelessness in an African village
• Gender equality in a Southeast Asian

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Methodology

• What Is Ethnography? | Definition, Guide & Examples

What Is Ethnography? | Definition, Guide & Examples

Published on March 13, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on June 22, 2023.

Ethnography is a type of qualitative research that involves immersing yourself in a particular community or organization to observe their behavior and interactions up close. The word “ethnography” also refers to the written report of the research that the ethnographer produces afterwards.

Ethnography is a flexible research method that allows you to gain a deep understanding of a group’s shared culture, conventions, and social dynamics. However, it also involves some practical and ethical challenges.

Table of contents

What is ethnography used for, different approaches to ethnographic research, gaining access to a community, working with informants, observing the group and taking field notes, writing up an ethnography, other interesting articles.

Ethnographic research originated in the field of anthropology, and it often involved an anthropologist living with an isolated tribal community for an extended period of time in order to understand their culture.

This type of research could sometimes last for years. For example, Colin M. Turnbull lived with the Mbuti people for three years in order to write the classic ethnography The Forest People .

Today, ethnography is a common approach in various social science fields, not just anthropology. It is used not only to study distant or unfamiliar cultures, but also to study specific communities within the researcher’s own society.

For example, ethnographic research (sometimes called participant observation ) has been used to investigate  football fans , call center workers , and police officers .

Advantages of ethnography

The main advantage of ethnography is that it gives the researcher direct access to the culture and practices of a group. It is a useful approach for learning first-hand about the behavior and interactions of people within a particular context.

By becoming immersed in a social environment, you may have access to more authentic information and spontaneously observe dynamics that you could not have found out about simply by asking.

Ethnography is also an open and flexible method. Rather than aiming to verify a general theory or test a hypothesis , it aims to offer a rich narrative account of a specific culture, allowing you to explore many different aspects of the group and setting.

Disadvantages of ethnography

Ethnography is a time-consuming method. In order to embed yourself in the setting and gather enough observations to build up a representative picture, you can expect to spend at least a few weeks, but more likely several months. This long-term immersion can be challenging, and requires careful planning.

Ethnographic research can run the risk of observer bias . Writing an ethnography involves subjective interpretation, and it can be difficult to maintain the necessary distance to analyze a group that you are embedded in.

There are often also ethical considerations to take into account: for example, about how your role is disclosed to members of the group, or about observing and reporting sensitive information.

Should you use ethnography in your research?

If you’re a student who wants to use ethnographic research in your thesis or dissertation , it’s worth asking yourself whether it’s the right approach:

• Could the information you need be collected in another way (e.g. a survey , interviews)?
• How difficult will it be to gain access to the community you want to study?
• How exactly will you conduct your research, and over what timespan?
• What ethical issues might arise?

If you do decide to do ethnography, it’s generally best to choose a relatively small and easily accessible group, to ensure that the research is feasible within a limited timeframe.

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There are a few key distinctions in ethnography which help to inform the researcher’s approach: open vs. closed settings, overt vs. covert ethnography, and active vs. passive observation. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Open vs. closed settings

The setting of your ethnography—the environment in which you will observe your chosen community in action—may be open or closed.

An open or public setting is one with no formal barriers to entry. For example, you might consider a community of people living in a certain neighborhood, or the fans of a particular baseball team.

• Gaining initial access to open groups is not too difficult…
• …but it may be harder to become immersed in a less clearly defined group.

A closed or private setting is harder to access. This may be for example a business, a school, or a cult.

• A closed group’s boundaries are clearly defined and the ethnographer can become fully immersed in the setting…
• …but gaining access is tougher; the ethnographer may have to negotiate their way in or acquire some role in the organization.

Overt vs. covert ethnography

Most ethnography is overt . In an overt approach, the ethnographer openly states their intentions and acknowledges their role as a researcher to the members of the group being studied.

• Overt ethnography is typically preferred for ethical reasons, as participants can provide informed consent…
• …but people may behave differently with the awareness that they are being studied.

Sometimes ethnography can be covert . This means that the researcher does not tell participants about their research, and comes up with some other pretense for being there.

• Covert ethnography allows access to environments where the group would not welcome a researcher…
• …but hiding the researcher’s role can be considered deceptive and thus unethical.

Active vs. passive observation

Different levels of immersion in the community may be appropriate in different contexts. The ethnographer may be a more active or passive participant depending on the demands of their research and the nature of the setting.

An active role involves trying to fully integrate, carrying out tasks and participating in activities like any other member of the community.

• Active participation may encourage the group to feel more comfortable with the ethnographer’s presence…
• …but runs the risk of disrupting the regular functioning of the community.

A passive role is one in which the ethnographer stands back from the activities of others, behaving as a more distant observer and not involving themselves in the community’s activities.

• Passive observation allows more space for careful observation and note-taking…
• …but group members may behave unnaturally due to feeling they are being observed by an outsider.

While ethnographers usually have a preference, they also have to be flexible about their level of participation. For example, access to the community might depend upon engaging in certain activities, or there might be certain practices in which outsiders cannot participate.

An important consideration for ethnographers is the question of access. The difficulty of gaining access to the setting of a particular ethnography varies greatly:

• To gain access to the fans of a particular sports team, you might start by simply attending the team’s games and speaking with the fans.
• To access the employees of a particular business, you might contact the management and ask for permission to perform a study there.
• Alternatively, you might perform a covert ethnography of a community or organization you are already personally involved in or employed by.

Flexibility is important here too: where it’s impossible to access the desired setting, the ethnographer must consider alternatives that could provide comparable information.

For example, if you had the idea of observing the staff within a particular finance company but could not get permission, you might look into other companies of the same kind as alternatives. Ethnography is a sensitive research method, and it may take multiple attempts to find a feasible approach.

All ethnographies involve the use of informants . These are people involved in the group in question who function as the researcher’s primary points of contact, facilitating access and assisting their understanding of the group.

This might be someone in a high position at an organization allowing you access to their employees, or a member of a community sponsoring your entry into that community and giving advice on how to fit in.

However,  i f you come to rely too much on a single informant, you may be influenced by their perspective on the community, which might be unrepresentative of the group as a whole.

In addition, an informant may not provide the kind of spontaneous information which is most useful to ethnographers, instead trying to show what they believe you want to see. For this reason, it’s good to have a variety of contacts within the group.

The core of ethnography is observation of the group from the inside. Field notes are taken to record these observations while immersed in the setting; they form the basis of the final written ethnography. They are usually written by hand, but other solutions such as voice recordings can be useful alternatives.

Field notes record any and all important data: phenomena observed, conversations had, preliminary analysis. For example, if you’re researching how service staff interact with customers, you should write down anything you notice about these interactions—body language, phrases used repeatedly, differences and similarities between staff, customer reactions.

Don’t be afraid to also note down things you notice that fall outside the pre-formulated scope of your research; anything may prove relevant, and it’s better to have extra notes you might discard later than to end up with missing data.

Field notes should be as detailed and clear as possible. It’s important to take time to go over your notes, expand on them with further detail, and keep them organized (including information such as dates and locations).

After observations are concluded, there’s still the task of writing them up into an ethnography. This entails going through the field notes and formulating a convincing account of the behaviors and dynamics observed.

The structure of an ethnography

An ethnography can take many different forms: It may be an article, a thesis, or an entire book, for example.

Ethnographies often do not follow the standard structure of a scientific paper, though like most academic texts, they should have an introduction and conclusion. For example, this paper begins by describing the historical background of the research, then focuses on various themes in turn before concluding.

An ethnography may still use a more traditional structure, however, especially when used in combination with other research methods. For example, this paper follows the standard structure for empirical research: introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion.

The content of an ethnography

The goal of a written ethnography is to provide a rich, authoritative account of the social setting in which you were embedded—to convince the reader that your observations and interpretations are representative of reality.

Ethnography tends to take a less impersonal approach than other research methods. Due to the embedded nature of the work, an ethnography often necessarily involves discussion of your personal experiences and feelings during the research.

Ethnography is not limited to making observations; it also attempts to explain the phenomena observed in a structured, narrative way. For this, you may draw on theory, but also on your direct experience and intuitions, which may well contradict the assumptions that you brought into the research.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• Normal distribution
• Degrees of freedom
• Null hypothesis
• Discourse analysis
• Control groups
• Mixed methods research
• Non-probability sampling
• Quantitative research
• Ecological validity

Research bias

• Rosenthal effect
• Implicit bias
• Cognitive bias
• Selection bias
• Negativity bias
• Status quo bias

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What is Ethnographic Research? Methods and Examples

Ethnographic research , rooted in the discipline of anthropology, is a systematic and immersive approach for the study of individual cultures. Ethnographic research methods involve the examination of cultural phenomena from the perspective of the subjects under investigation. This method of social research places a particular emphasis on participant observation, where researchers engage with the setting or individuals being studied, documenting intricate patterns of social interaction and analyzing the participants’ own interpretations of their behavior within their local contexts.   

While ethnography originated in social and cultural anthropology in the early twentieth century, its application has extended to various disciplines. Widely adopted as a qualitative data collection strategy, ethnographic research design stands out for its reliance on observing life as it naturally unfolds, dispensing with the controlled environment of a laboratory. Ethnographic observation seeks to understand societies and individuals through direct observation and interviews, providing valuable insights into how they interact with their surroundings in their natural environments.  

Here are some ethnographic research examples :  

• An anthropologist observing the people and culture of an Indigenous tribe by living with them for several months.  
• A child psychologist observing the social dynamics of toddlers in a play school (interactions with teachers and with one another).   
• A potential startup looking to create a product and a market for that product by observing how a group of potential customers interact with and discuss similar products in various stores over a specified length of time.

Table of Contents

What is ethnographic research ?  

Ethnographic research systematically studies cultures and behaviors, relying on participant observation and exploring cultural phenomena from the perspective of the subjects. Its versatility and qualitative nature make it a valuable data collection strategy in the social and behavioral research sciences. It has transcended disciplinary boundaries, making its way into various social science disciplines, notably sociology. Some key points to better understand what is ethnographic research ? and what are the advantages of ethnography research ? are as follows:  

• Ethnographic research is an immersive approach that aims to document detailed patterns of social interaction and behavior.   
• Ethnographic observation provides a rich source of qualitative data.  
• Ethnographic research methods acknowledge the unpredictability of real-world situations, offering a more authentic understanding of societal dynamics and individual behaviors.  
• Ethnographic research puts the point of view of the subject of the research first.  

Main aim of ethnographic research  

The main aim of ethnographic research is to deep dive into the perspectives and actions of subjects, capturing the variables that characterize their daily experiences. It offers researchers a comprehensive understanding of how subjects perceive the world and navigate their interactions with the surrounding elements.    

Types of ethnographic research  

Ethnographic observation might be applied in fields of business, medicine, education, psychology, and more. There are various types of ethnographic research , broadly based on the study discipline and the activity under study, with each shedding light on human behavior, experiences, and cultural nuances.  

Below are different types of ethnographic research , which will give you a broad idea about how to conduct ethnographic research in various fields:  

1. Psychology ethnography

To explore human experiences and behaviors within a cultural context, researchers immerse themselves in the natural habitat of individuals, applying ethnographic research methods such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, and field notes. 

2. Life history ethnography

Life history ethnography looks at the tapestry of an individual’s life, offering a nuanced understanding of their experiences, challenges, and cultural influences. Researchers conduct in-depth interviews, collect personal documents, and may even observe the subject in their daily life to capture a comprehensive life narrative. By zooming in on a single life, researchers can uncover patterns, transitions, and unique perspectives that might be overlooked in broader ethnographic studies.  

3. Business ethnography

In business and retail, ethnographic research focuses on consumer habits and target markets to discern market demands and attitudes toward products or services. Fieldwork, interviews, and online surveys are used to identify preferences and meet market demands effectively.   

4. Educational ethnography

Researchers employing educational ethnography observe students’ learning attitudes and motivations using non-participant and direct participant observation.  

5. Medical ethnography

In medicine and healthcare, ethnographic research involves qualitative exploration of patient behavior across various healthcare scenarios to understand patient needs, reactions to prescriptions and treatment procedures, suggestions for improvement, etc.  

6. Digital ethnography

Digital ethnography or desk study is conducted remotely. Researchers rely on second- or third-hand information collected by others to compile knowledge about a particular ethnic group without direct observation. This method leverages the wealth of information available online.   

7. Literary ethnography

Novels and books, often overlooked in traditional ethnographic discussions, offer a unique avenue for cultural exploration. Literary ethnography involves analyzing fictional works, autobiographies, and cultural narratives to extract insights into societal norms, values, and historical contexts. This method recognizes the power of storytelling as a medium through which cultural knowledge is transmitted.   

Methods of ethnographic research    

Various methodologies are employed in ethnography, from direct observation, diary studies, video recordings and photography to the analysis of devices used by individuals. The duration of ethnographic studies varies, with observation periods ranging from a few hours to several months, depending on the specific research objectives. Thus, ethnographic research methods employed will depend on the field, the size of the sample, and the research goal.    

So, what are ethnographic methods employed by researchers to answer questions in diverse disciplines? Let’s take a look:  

1. Triangulation  

A researcher used multiple data collection strategies and data sources to obtain a complete picture of the topic in focus and to cross-check information.  

2. Field notes  

A researcher collects, records, and compiles notes on-site during the study. This can be considered a researcher’s primary tool to collect data.  

3. Naturalism  

This is probably the oldest ethnographic research method . In this ethnographic research design , one spends time in the group’s natural environment to observe and record research variables.   

4. Participant observation  

Similar to the above approach, in participant observation, the ethnographer actively interacts with the research subjects. The difference lies in the ethnographer participating in the group. Participant observation gives ethnographers more data. They better understand the research subjects’ experiences and habits from the participant’s perspective.  

5. Interviews  

For authentic and relevant research results, the ethnographer interacts with the research group, asking questions about the research group, while conducting research-related activities.  

6. Surveys  

Ethnography surveys help the researcher obtain and analyze data to arrive at objective conclusions. Multiple choice questions, Likert scale, open-ended, and close-ended ethnography survey questions are commonly used. This approach saves time and costs.   

7. Archival research  

This qualitative ethnographic research method examines existing literature and records of relevant research rather than by the researcher’s physical presence.   

Examples of ethnographic research  

To better understand ethnographic research meaning , methods, and design, let’s take a look at some ethnographic research examples :  

Observing urban street performers: Over the course of several months, a researcher observes urban street performers’ performances and their interactions with passersby, exploring how these individuals collaborate or compete with one another for attention and recognition.  

Studying patterns of coffee shop regulars: Through a combination of direct observation and casual conversations, a researcher might uncover the habits and interactions of regular patrons and the social dynamics that characterize the daily lives of individuals who frequent the establishment.   

Exploring online gaming communities: In the realm of virtual spaces, a researcher might examine online gaming communities to understand the social structures, communication patterns, and shared norms among players. Through active participation and observation within the gaming environment, the researcher might seek insights into how relationships form, conflicts are resolved, and cultural practices evolve within this digital subculture.  

Observing farmers’ market vendors: At a local farmers’ market, a researcher may closely examine the interactions between vendors, customers, and the broader community. This study aims to uncover the cultural nuances of the market environment, exploring aspects such as negotiation tactics, vendor-customer relationships, and the role of the market in creating a sense of community.  

Advantages of ethnography research  

The advantages of ethnography research are manifold. Ethnographic observation allows first-hand observation of subjects’ interactions in their natural environment. This might help uncover subjects’ unconscious or implicit behaviors. Ethnographic research also enables a researcher to gain longitudinal insights as ethnography often involves extended periods of fieldwork, allowing researchers to observe changes and developments over time. Further, this approach often captures the holistic nature of social phenomena by considering various interconnected elements within a cultural context. This holistic approach is beneficial for understanding complex social structures, rituals, and the interplay of different factors influencing behaviors.  

Finally, ethnographic research involves a variety of data collection methods, and this multi-faceted approach yields rich and diverse data, enhancing the depth and validity of the research findings.  

Disadvantages of ethnography research  

Despite its relevance to certain studies, ethnographic research is not without its limitations. One significant challenge lies in the necessity to establish and sustain intimate face-to-face interactions with participants, a task that can prove difficult depending on the study’s nature and the type of participants involved. Prolonged fieldwork might prove costly in terms of time and resources. Second, culture, being an abstract concept, poses difficulties when used as an interpretive lens. Third, ethnographic research lacks reliability and validity since it cannot be easily replicated, and its findings may not extend to other similar situations    

Frequently asked questions  

Q: What are some examples of ethnographic research?

A: Some ethnographic research examples are as follows:  

• Studying yoga retreat participants: An ethnographer may immerse themselves in the experience of a yoga retreat, observing the behaviors, rituals, and social dynamics among participants. This research involves both active participation in yoga sessions and passive observation of communal activities, providing insights into how individuals connect, form bonds, and integrate spiritual practices into their daily lives.  
• Life history ethnography: An in-depth interview of a stroke survivor to obtain an account of their personal struggle for recovery, followed by a narrative analysis based on the transcription, coding, and analysis of transcripts from hours of interviews.  
• Field study on a remote island: A researcher visits a remote island inhabited by an obscure tribe. The researcher then lives and spends a significant amount of time getting to know their daily life customs and practices.  
• Surveying nurses in a trauma hospital: A researcher conducts in-depth surveys to understand the psychological effects of working late-night shifts and dealing with patients with severe trauma.  

Q: What is the main aim of ethnographic research ?

A: The main aim of ethnography is to remain objective and to collect and report what the researcher observes to add to the body of knowledge about the group. It is not to make judgments about the group’s characteristics or methods of interaction or devise approaches to improve or change the group.

Q: Can ethnography be applied to various fields?  

A: Yes, ethnographic research is versatile and can be applied across various disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, marketing, design, education, healthcare, and more. Its adaptability makes it a valuable method for gaining insights into diverse aspects of human behavior and culture.    

Q: Is ethnography only suitable for studying small or isolated communities?  

A: No, while ethnography is often associated with studying small or isolated communities, it can also be applied to larger populations and urban settings. The focus is on understanding the cultural context and social dynamics, regardless of the size or location of the community.  

Q: Can the findings from ethnographic research be generalized to broader populations?  

A: Ethnographic observation is often more concerned with depth than breadth, so generalizability to larger populations may be limited. However, the insights gained can inform broader theories and provide a foundation for further research in similar contexts.  

Q: How should researchers ensure ethical conduct in ethnographic research?  

A: Ethnographers must prioritize ethical considerations by obtaining informed consent from participants, maintaining confidentiality, and being transparent about the research purpose. They also navigate potential conflicts of interest and consider the impact of their presence on the community being studied.  

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12 Ethnography

Anthony Kwame Harrison, Department of Sociology, Virginia Tech

• Published: 02 September 2020
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This chapter introduces ethnography as a distinct research and writing tradition. It opens with a discussion of ethnography’s current fashionability within transdisciplinary academic spaces and some of the associated challenges. The next section provides a historical overview of ethnography’s emergence as a professionalized research practice within the fields of anthropology and sociology. Focusing on ethnography as a research methodology, the chapter outlines several key attributes that distinguish it from other forms of participant observation–oriented research; provides a general overview of the central paradigms that ethnographers claim and/or move between; and spotlights three principal research methods that most ethnographers utilize—namely, participant observation, field-note writing, and ethnographic interviewing. The final section of the chapter introduces a research disposition called ethnographic comportment , defined as a politics of positionality that reflects both ethnographers’ awarenesses of and their accountabilities to the research tradition they participate in.

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The Ethnographic Research

• First Online: 21 October 2016

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This chapter of the book deals with the nature of ethnographic research and the research tools it employs—ethnographic interviews and participant observation. The chapter focuses on the role of ethnographic researchers, the dimensions that ethnographers must consider in order to get a comprehensive collection of information, and the analysis of findings.

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Shagrir, L. (2017). The Ethnographic Research. In: Journey to Ethnographic Research. SpringerBriefs in Education. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47112-9_2

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15 Great Ethnography Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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Ethnography is a research method that involves embedding yourself in the environment of a group or community and recording what you observe. It often involves the researcher living in the community being studied. This leads to a much richer understanding of the people being examined than doing quantitative research.

The thing I love about ethnography is that it paints a thorough picture of people’s lives. It is, in its own way, the most raw, honest, and detailed form of academic research.

In my previous blog posts, I have discussed my admiration for thick description as a way to pierce beyond stereotypes and view the world through the lens of our subjects.

And there’s no doubt that ethnographic research has helped us learn so much more about how people navigate their cultural circumstances.

Below are some examples of ethnography – both abstract (with the hope that it helps students think about some ways they can do ethnography) and real-life (with the hope that you will read some inspiring ethnographic studies).

Ethnography Examples

To start, here are some ways you could potentially do ethnography:

• Ethnography of Indigenous People: There are many examples of ethnographic studies that look at indigenous cultures and how they’re similar or different to Western culture. Beware of the trap of colonialism during this work.
• Mundane Ethnography: Remember, ethnography doesn’t have to happen in a far off land. You can do autoethnography where you study yourself , or a study of somewhere very banal, like your workplace or home.
• Educational Ethnography: There is a rich history of teachers and researchers using ethnographic methods in classrooms to explore how learning happens.
• Ethnography in a Shop: Be the ethnographer within a supermarket by interacting with the people there on a daily basis (maybe as the cashier) and observe how people interact and collide within the space.
• Working-Class and Immigrant Ethnography: Many sociologists use ethnographic methods to take an inside look at how people on the margins of society grapple with global concepts like capitalism, globalization, and race.
• Digital Ethnography: Since the rise of the internet, there have been many researchers interested in the digital lives of people. Some of my favorite studies have revealed how we create our identities online.

My Favorite Ethnographic Research Books

1. learning to labour.

Author: Paul Willis

One of my favorite ethnographic works, Learning to Labour follows working-class ‘lads’ in the British Midlands as they participate in counter-cultural and ‘anti-social’ behaviors.

The most fascinating aspect of this book is the rich elucidation of how these working-class boys reject narratives of upward mobility and revel in rejecting mental work at school. But at the same time, they create their own value hierarchies.

In fact, the boys don’t even leave school when they are legally allowed, despite giving a veneer of being anti-school. Instead, they remain there, because there is their own social and even educational value they can get out of it. They prize the manual labor they do in class and, after leaving school, continue to prize physical labor in the workplace while deriding and dismissing mental labor.

2. Being Maori in the City

Author: Natacha Gagné

When indigenous people live in urban environments, their authenticity as indigenous peoples is often brought into question.

Thus, Gagné’s examination of Maori identity in Auckland presents a valuable insight into how people continue to live out their indigenous identities in a changing, urbanized, and colonized landscape.

Gagné spent two years living with Maori people in Auckland and highlights in the book how their identity continues to be central to how they interact both with one another and with broader society.

3. Ethnography of a Neoliberal School

Author: Garth Stahl

While a wide range of academic research has looked at how neoliberalism can affect education, an ethnographic approach allows Stahl to demonstrate how it turns up as lived experience.

Neoliberalism is an approach to governance that focuses on the corporatization of society. In education, this means that schools should be run like companies.

There is no better example, of course, than charter schools .

In my favorite chapter, Stahl demonstrates within one anonymized charter school how teachers are increasingly subjected to performance quotas, KPIs, and governance that narrow down the purpose of education and give them very little freedom to exercise their expertise and provide individualized support to their students.

4. Coming of Age in Samoa

Author: Margaret Mead

Margaret Mead’s groundbreaking ethnography, Coming of Age in Samoa , had implications for two important reasons:

• It highlighted the importance of feminist perspectives in ethnographic research.
• It challenged a universalizing stage-based conceptualization of human development.

Mead’s work was conducted at a time when the Western world was in a moral panic about adolescents’ stress and emotional behaviors. The prevailing idea – promoted mainly by male psychologists – was that most of those behaviors were a natural part of the developmental cycle.

Mead, however, saw that female Samoan adolescents had much different experiences of adolescence and would not have fitted into the western mold of how a female adolescent would behave or be treated.

The Samoan society’s liberal ideas around intimacy and the lower levels of academic stress placed on the girls meant they lived very different realities with far less stress and social pressure than their Western counterparts.

5. Ghetto at the Center of the World

Author: Gordon Mathews

Mathews’s Ghetto at the Center of the World explores a multiethnic high-density housing complex in Hong Kong.

While seen by many locals as a ghetto (despite its relative safety!), Mathews shows how the motley group of residents, migrants, and tourists in the building live rich lives at what appears to be ground zero of globalization.

For the people in the building, globalization has offered opportunities but hasn’t solved all their problems. Each person that Mathews follows has their own story of how they navigate a globalized world while maintaining hope for a better future.

Additional Influential Ethnographic Studies

• Argonauts of the Western Pacific – This study was notable because it presented a turn toward participant observation in ethnography rather than attempts at fly-on-the-wall objectivity.
• The Remembered Village – A study of caste systems in India, this study is most notable for its methodological influence. Srinivas, the author, lost his field notes, but he continued on with presenting his findings, causing widespread controversy about its methodological merits.
• Space and Society in Central Brazil – This study explores the experiences of the Panará indigenous people of Brazil as they attempt to secure protected space from the colonialization occurring around them. It’s notable for its insights into how the Panará people organize themselves both culturally and spatially.
• White Bound – This book follows two groups, a white anti-racist group and a white nationalist group, and explores how each deals with whiteness. While the groups have fundamentally different goals, even the anti-racist group continue to contribute to white privilege .
• City, Street and Citizen – Suzanne Hall’s study of the mundane city street explores how multiethnicity is played out in globalized cities. It is a fascinating look at how lives take place within shared spaces where social contact occurs.

Ethnography is, in my humble (and of course subjective) opinion, the most exciting form of primary research you can do. It can challenge assumptions, unpick social norms, and make us all more empathetic people.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
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3 thoughts on “15 Great Ethnography Examples”

Thanks very much for that. I am an early childhood teacher, already published on the topic of bilingual and multilingual children in our sector. One of my lecturers has suggested an ethnographic study of some of our immigrant children. Not sure where to start with that, but this has put me in the right frame of mind. Thanks again

Dear Chris,

Any suggested topic on ethnographic research i can start with here in the hospital where i am working. I am a nurse for cardiovascular patients undergoing open heart surgeries.

As you’re in a high risk setting, you might be best asking your managers at the workplace about this one. You could also consider an autoethnography where you do a study on yourself within the settings.

Best of luck with the study.

Regards, Chris

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6- Drafting Your Ethnographic Essay

Chapter 6 provides a step-by-step process for developing, writing, and revising your ethnographic research essay.

Finding a Focus, Choosing a Controlling Idea for Your Research

The first step in finding a focus is to read through all of your fieldnotes two times. As you read, notice when and where you become particularly interested in what you have written. Circle, mark or note these passages in some way. Write a brief summary of each idea/passage on a separate sheet. After you identify what interests you most, move on to search for patterns that will lead you to focus.  You can follow the step-by step-process below as a path to create a kind of umbrella or guiding focus statement for your essay:

• Read through the list you compiled from your fieldnotes and identify which parts of your fieldnotes interest and engage you most. Look at the larger arc. Are most of your points taken from your thoughts and feelings or are you more interested in the analysis observation?
• Search for patterns in your list, and make a new list of those patterns. Keep an eye out for things that strike you as meaningful and interesting and that happen again and again.  As you explore patterns, also look for things connected to those patterns.  Find patterns within patterns. how do you connect ideas with language?  Do you seem to repeatedly use the same phrases?  When and with respect to what observations?  This may help identify relevant patters of observation.
• From your list of patterns and connections, select the ONE larger idea/pattern that interests you most. You know you’re on to something if you find a pattern and can see how it connects to other observations you’ve made during your research and /or to what other scholars or writers have said.
• Take that one interesting idea/pattern and develop an “umbrella” statement or a broad focus statement. You can start, for drafting purposes, with something as simple as “In this paper, I will…(discuss, explore, explain, analyze, etc.).”  Here you are articulating the big idea for your essay. You can always return to the statement to make is more sophisticated in the context of a focus paragraph later,
• Expand that statement by breaking the pattern that you are focusing on into any number of supporting observations. Follow your initial broad or umbrella focus statement with that break down. “First, I will….Second…Third….” with each of those statements specifying the supporting material. These first, second, and third statements provide the framework for the body sections of your research essay.

As you examine patterns you find in your own comprehensive observation list and look for an idea, theme, or metaphor to connect them, keep in mind the ways in which a focus moves from observations to a more developed discussion of the ideas you note.  As you connect the dots of your pattern, you may begin to understand where your essay could “land,” which implications become most compelling to you, and which elements for discussion could make clear the complexity of reality and truth.  When you identify some of these more powerful elements, take the time to write about any connections you see between those patterns or expand on any unfinished thoughts. From this list, you need to choose the idea/pattern that interests you most, that you think you can really write about, and that you can support with other observations from your notes. You have found your focus!

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• 1a- Connecting to Ethnographic Writing
• 1b- Identifying with Ethnographic Writing
• 1c- Rhetorical Strate­gies for Ethnographic Writing
• 2a- Writerly Ethos
• 2b- Under­stand­ing Pla­gia­rism
• 2c- Eth­i­cal Conun­drums in Com­munity Research
• 3a- Examining Culture as Text
• 3b- Selecting a Research Site
• 3c- Access to Your Research Site
• 3d- Rhetorical Strategies for Research Proposals
• 4a- Rhetorical Strategies for Writing Observations
• 4b- Considering Types of Fieldnotes
• 4c- Expanding and Revising Fieldnotes and Observations
• 5a- Searching for Sources: Keywords, Databases, Catalogs, and Shelves
• 5b- Ethical Considerations when Conducting Research of Secondary Sources
• 5c- Impact of Technology on Conducting Research of Secondary Sources
• 5d- Sorting Sources and Eating Books
• 5e- Popular Culture Source Material
• 5f- Summarizing Sources
• 5g- Building an Annotated Bibliography
• 6a- Introducing your Research
• 6b- Presenting the Methodology and Focus
• 6c- Selecting Examples and Evidence
• 6d- Selecting Effective Secondary Source Evidence
• 6e- Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Documenting Source Material
• 6f- Concluding in a Meaningful Way
• 6g- Reviewing and Revising Your Essay
• Supplemental Modules
• How to Use this Textbook
• Teaching with EC
• How to Become a Contributing Author

• Privacy Policy

Home » Ethnographic Research -Types, Methods and Guide

Ethnographic Research -Types, Methods and Guide

Table of Contents

Ethnographic Research

Definition:

Ethnographic research is a qualitative research method used to study and document the culture, behaviors, beliefs, and social interactions of a particular group of people. It involves direct observation and participation in the daily life and activities of the group being studied, often for an extended period of time.

Ethnographic Study

An ethnographic study is a research method that involves the detailed and systematic study of a particular group, culture, or community. Ethnographic studies seek to understand the beliefs, values, behaviors, and social dynamics of a group through direct observation and participation in their daily life.

Ethnographic Research vs Ethnographic Study

here’s a table comparing ethnographic study and ethnographic research:

While there are some differences between the two, they are similar in that they both use qualitative research methods to study a particular group, culture, or community. The main difference is that an ethnographic study involves the researcher spending an extended period of time within the community being studied in order to develop a deep understanding, while ethnographic research is focused on documenting and analyzing the culture, beliefs, behaviors, and social interactions of the group being studied.

Ethnographic Research Types

Ethnographic research can be divided into several types based on the focus of the study and the research objectives. Here are some common types of ethnographic research:

Classic Ethnography

This type of ethnographic research involves an extended period of observation and interaction with a particular community or group. The researcher aims to understand the community’s culture, beliefs, practices, and social structure by immersing themselves in the community’s daily life.

Autoethnography

Autoethnography involves the researcher using their own personal experiences to gain insights into a particular community or culture. The researcher may use personal narratives, diaries, or other forms of self-reflection to explore the ways in which their own experiences relate to the culture being studied.

Participatory Action Research

Participatory action research involves the researcher working collaboratively with members of a particular community or group to identify and address social issues affecting the community. The researcher aims to empower community members to take an active role in the research process and to use the findings to effect positive change.

Virtual Ethnography

Virtual ethnography involves the use of online or digital media to study a particular community or culture. The researcher may use social media, online forums, or other digital platforms to observe and interact with the group being studied.

Critical Ethnography

Critical ethnography aims to expose power imbalances and social inequalities within a particular community or culture. The researcher may use their observations to critique dominant cultural narratives or to identify opportunities for social change.

Ethnographic Research Methods

Some common ethnographic research methods include:

Participant Observation

This involves the researcher directly observing and participating in the daily life and activities of the group being studied. This technique helps the researcher gain an in-depth understanding of the group’s behavior, culture, and social dynamics.

Ethnographic researchers use interviews to gather information about the group’s beliefs, values, and practices. Interviews may be formal or informal and can be conducted one-on-one or in group settings.

Surveys can be used to collect data on specific topics, such as attitudes towards a particular issue or behavior patterns. Ethnographic researchers may use surveys as a way to gather quantitative data in addition to qualitative data.

Document Analysis

This involves analyzing written or visual documents produced by the group being studied, such as newspapers, photographs, or social media posts. Document analysis can provide insight into the group’s values, beliefs, and practices.

Field Notes

Ethnographic researchers keep detailed field notes of their observations and interactions with the group being studied. These notes help the researcher organize their thoughts and observations and can be used to analyze the data collected.

Focus Groups

Focus groups are group interviews that allow the researcher to gather information from multiple people at once. This technique can be useful for exploring shared beliefs or experiences within the group being studied.

Ethnographic Research Data Analysis Methods

Ethnographic research data analysis methods involve analyzing qualitative data collected from observations, interviews, and other sources in order to identify patterns, themes, and insights related to the research question.

Here are some common data analysis methods used in ethnographic research:

Content Analysis

This involves systematically coding and categorizing the data collected from field notes, interviews, and other sources. The researcher identifies recurring themes, patterns, and categories in the data and assigns codes or labels to each one.

Narrative Analysis

This involves analyzing the stories and narratives collected from participants in order to understand how they construct and make sense of their experiences. The researcher looks for common themes, plot structures, and rhetorical strategies used by participants.

Discourse Analysis

This involves analyzing the language and communication practices of the group being studied in order to understand how they construct and reproduce social norms and cultural meanings. The researcher looks for patterns in the use of language, including metaphors, idioms, and other linguistic devices.

Comparative Analysis

This involves comparing data collected from different groups or communities in order to identify similarities and differences in their cultures, behaviors, and social structures. The researcher may use this analysis to generate hypotheses about why these differences exist and what factors may be contributing to them.

Grounded Theory

This involves developing a theoretical framework based on the data collected during the research process. The researcher identifies patterns and themes in the data and uses these to develop a theory that explains the social phenomena being studied.

How to Conduct Ethnographic Research

To conduct ethnographic research, follow these general steps:

• Choose a Research Question: Identify a research question that you want to explore. It should be focused and specific, but also open-ended to allow for flexibility and exploration.
• Select a research site: Choose a site or group that is relevant to your research question. This could be a workplace, a community, a social movement, or any other social setting where you can observe and interact with people.
• Obtain ethical clearance: Obtain ethical clearance from your institution or organization before beginning your research. This involves ensuring that your research is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner, and that the privacy and confidentiality of participants are protected.
• Conduct observations: Observe the people in your research site and take detailed notes. This involves being present and engaged in the social setting, participating in activities, and taking note of the behaviors, interactions, and social norms that you observe.
• Conduct interviews : Conduct interviews with people in the research site to gain deeper insights into their experiences, perspectives, and beliefs. This could involve structured or semi-structured interviews, focus groups, or other forms of data collection.
• Analyze data: Analyze the data that you have collected, looking for themes and patterns that emerge. This involves immersing yourself in the data and interpreting it within the social and cultural context of the research site.
• Write up findings: Write up your findings in a clear and concise manner, using quotes and examples to illustrate your key points. This may involve creating narratives, tables, or other visual representations of your findings.
• Reflect on your process: Reflect on your process and methods, thinking about what worked well and what could be improved for future research.

When to Use Ethnographic Research

Here are some situations where ethnographic research may be particularly appropriate:

• When exploring a new topic: Ethnographic research can be useful when exploring a topic that has not been well-studied before. By engaging with members of a particular group or community, researchers can gain insights into their experiences and perspectives that may not be visible from other research methods.
• When studying cultural practices: Ethnographic research is particularly useful when studying cultural practices and beliefs. By immersing themselves in the cultural context being studied, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which cultural practices are enacted, maintained, and transmitted.
• When studying complex social phenomena: Ethnographic research can be useful when studying complex social phenomena that cannot be easily understood through quantitative methods. By observing social interactions and behaviors, researchers can gain insights into the ways in which social norms and structures are created and maintained.
• When studying marginalized communities: Ethnographic research can be particularly useful when studying marginalized communities, as it allows researchers to give voice to members of these communities and understand their experiences and perspectives.

Overall, ethnographic research can be a useful research approach when the goal is to gain a deep understanding of a particular group or community and their cultural practices, beliefs, and experiences. It is a flexible and adaptable research method that can be used in a variety of research contexts.

Applications of Ethnographic Research

Ethnographic research has many applications across a wide range of fields and disciplines. Some of the key applications of ethnographic research include:

• Informing policy and practice: Ethnographic research can provide valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of marginalized or underrepresented groups, which can inform policy and practice in fields such as health care, education, and social services.
• Developing theories and concepts: Ethnographic research can contribute to the development of theories and concepts in social and cultural anthropology, sociology, and other disciplines, by providing detailed and nuanced accounts of social and cultural phenomena.
• Improving product design and marketing: Ethnographic research can be used to understand consumer behavior and preferences, which can inform the design and marketing of products and services.
• Studying workplace culture: Ethnographic research can provide insights into the norms, values, and practices of organizations, which can inform efforts to improve workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
• Examining social movements: Ethnographic research can be used to study the practices, beliefs, and experiences of social movements, which can inform efforts to understand and address social and political issues.
• Studying healthcare practices: Ethnographic research can provide insights into healthcare practices and patient experiences, which can inform efforts to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Examples of Ethnographic Research

Here are some real-time examples of ethnographic research:

• Anthropological study of a remote indigenous tribe: Anthropologists often use ethnographic research to study remote indigenous tribes and gain insights into their culture, beliefs, and practices. For example, an anthropologist may live with a tribe for an extended period of time, observing and participating in their daily activities, and conducting interviews with members of the community.
• Study of workplace culture: Ethnographic research can be useful in studying workplace culture and understanding the dynamics of the organization. For example, an ethnographer may observe and interview employees in a particular department or team to gain insights into their work practices, communication styles, and social dynamics.
• Study of consumer behavior: Ethnographic research can be useful in studying consumer behavior and understanding how people interact with products and services. For example, an ethnographer may observe and interview consumers as they use a particular product, such as a new smartphone or fitness tracker, to gain insights into their behaviors and preferences.
• Study of health care practices: Ethnographic research can be useful in studying health care practices and understanding how patients and providers interact within the health care system. For example, an ethnographer may observe and interview patients and providers in a hospital or clinic to gain insights into their experiences and perspectives.
• Study of social movements: Ethnographic research can be useful in studying social movements and understanding how they emerge and evolve over time. For example, an ethnographer may observe and interview participants in a protest movement to gain insights into their motivations and strategies.

Purpose of Ethnographic Research

The purpose of ethnographic research is to provide an in-depth understanding of a particular group or community, including their cultural practices, beliefs, and experiences. This research approach is particularly useful when the research question is exploratory and the goal is to generate new insights and understandings. Ethnographic research seeks to understand the experiences, perspectives, and behaviors of the participants in their natural setting, without imposing the researcher’s own biases or preconceptions.

Ethnographic research can be used to study a wide range of topics, including social movements, workplace culture, consumer behavior, and health care practices, among others. The researcher aims to understand the social and cultural context of the group or community being studied, and to generate new insights and understandings that can inform future research, policy, and practice.

Overall, the purpose of ethnographic research is to gain a deep understanding of a particular group or community, with the goal of generating new insights and understandings that can inform future research, policy, and practice. Ethnographic research can be a valuable research approach in many different contexts, particularly when the goal is to gain a rich, contextualized understanding of social and cultural phenomena.

Advantages of Ethnographic Research

Ethnographic research has several advantages that make it a valuable research approach in many different fields. Here are some of the advantages of ethnographic research:

• Provides in-depth and detailed information: Ethnographic research involves direct observation of the group or community being studied, which allows researchers to gain a detailed and in-depth understanding of their beliefs, practices, and experiences. This type of information cannot be obtained through other research methods.
• Offers a unique perspective: Ethnographic research allows researchers to see the world from the perspective of the group or community being studied. This can provide unique insights into the ways in which different cultural practices and beliefs are constructed and maintained.
• Promotes cultural understanding: Ethnographic research can help to promote cultural understanding and reduce stereotypes by providing a more nuanced and accurate picture of different cultures and communities.
• Allows for flexibility: Ethnographic research is a flexible research approach that can be adapted to fit different research contexts and questions. Researchers can adjust their methods based on the needs of the group being studied and the research goals.
• Generates rich and diverse data: Ethnographic research generates rich and diverse data through a combination of observation, interviews, and other methods. This allows researchers to analyze different aspects of the group or community being studied and identify patterns and themes in the data.
• Supports theory development: Ethnographic research can support theory development by providing empirical data that can be used to test and refine theoretical frameworks.

Limitations of Ethnographic Research

Ethnographic research has several limitations that researchers should consider when selecting this research approach. Here are some of the limitations of ethnographic research:

• Limited generalizability: Ethnographic research typically involves studying a small and specific group or community, which limits the generalizability of the findings to other contexts or populations.
• Time-consuming: Ethnographic research is a time-consuming process that requires a significant investment of time and resources. Researchers must spend time observing and interacting with the group being studied, which may not be feasible in all research contexts.
• Subjectivity: Ethnographic research relies on the researcher’s interpretation and analysis of the data collected, which may introduce subjective bias into the research findings.
• Limited control: Ethnographic research involves studying a group or community in their natural setting, which limits the researcher’s control over the research context and the behavior of the participants.
• Ethical concerns: Ethnographic research can raise ethical concerns, particularly when studying marginalized or vulnerable populations. Researchers must be careful to ensure that they do not harm or exploit the participants in the research process.
• Limited quantitative data: Ethnographic research typically generates qualitative data, which may limit the types of analysis that can be conducted and the types of conclusions that can be drawn.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Ethnography | A Deep Dive into Media Audiences & Consumption

• May 31, 2024 August 25, 2024

Ethnography is a qualitative research method rooted in anthropology. Researchers immerse themselves in the daily lives of the subjects they study. This method is crucial in Media and Communications because it allows researchers to understand how people interact with media in their everyday contexts. Ethnography provides deep insights into the cultural, social, and individual dimensions of media use. These are often overlooked by quantitative research methods.

Historical Background of Ethnography

Ethnography has its origins in anthropology, particularly in the works of early anthropologists like Bronisław Malinowski and Margaret Mead. Malinowski’s study of the Trobriand Islanders and Mead’s work in Samoa are classic examples of ethnographic research. These researchers spent extended periods living with the communities they studied, learning their languages, and participating in their daily routines. This immersive approach allowed them to understand the cultures they studied from an insider’s perspective; a concept known as “emic” understanding.

In Media and Communications, Ethnography began to gain prominence in the 1970s and 1980s. Researchers realised that to truly understand how people use and interpret media, it was essential to observe them in their natural settings. This shift marked the beginning of “Audience Ethnography”. Scholars focused on how audiences engage with media in their everyday lives (Hammersley & Atkinson, 2019).

The Ethnographic Method

Ethnography is a flexible and adaptive research method. The process usually begins with the researcher selecting a specific group or community to study. This could be anything from a small village to an online community. The researcher then spends a significant amount of time observing and participating in the daily activities of this group. This participation is key; the researcher must become a part of the community to gain a true understanding of it.

Participant Observation

Participant observation is the core of ethnographic research. It involves the researcher taking part in the daily activities of the group they are studying while also observing and recording these activities. The dual role of participant and observer can be challenging. The researcher must balance involvement with the community and the objective observation needed to analyse their behaviours critically.

For example, a media ethnographer might spend time with a family in their home to understand how they consume television. The researcher would not only observe which programmes the family watches but also participate in discussions about the shows. Therefore, observe how family members interact during viewing, and note how television fits into their broader daily routines (Morley, 1986).

Field Notes & Reflexivity

Field notes are the primary data collection tool in Ethnography. These notes are detailed descriptions of observations, interactions, and thoughts that the researcher records during and after their time in the field. It is essential to write these notes as soon as possible to capture the details while they are still fresh in the researcher’s mind.

Reflexivity is also a critical component of Ethnography. Reflexivity means that the researcher must constantly reflect on their role in the research process and how their presence might influence the group they are studying. For instance, a researcher might notice that people behave differently when they know they are being observed. Acknowledging and accounting for these changes is part of the ethnographic process (Hammersley & Atkinson, 2019).

In-Depth Interviews

In-depth interviews complement participant observation. These interviews allow the researcher to explore specific topics in more detail. Thus, gaining insights into the participants’ perspectives, feelings, and interpretations. The interviews are typically semi-structured, with the researcher preparing a list of topics or questions to cover but allowing the conversation to flow naturally.

For example, in an ethnographic study of social media use, the researcher might interview participants about their motivations for using specific platforms, their experiences of online interactions, and how these activities impact their offline lives. These interviews can reveal deeper layers of meaning that are not always visible through observation alone.

Applications of Ethnography in Media & Communications

Researchers have applied Ethnography in various ways in Media and Communications research. This method offers a unique lens for exploring how media integrates into people’s lives, shapes identities, and influences social relations.

Audience Studies

One of the primary areas where Ethnography has been applied is in audience studies. Traditional media research often relied on surveys and ratings to understand audiences. However, these methods could not capture the complex ways in which people engage with media. Ethnography filled this gap by providing a more nuanced understanding of audience behaviour.

For instance, David Morley’s study “The Nationwide Audience” (1980) is a seminal work in this field. Morley conducted ethnographic research on how different social groups interpreted the same television programme. His findings revealed that people from different social backgrounds interpreted media content in varied ways, shaped by their cultural and social contexts. This study highlighted the importance of considering the audience’s socio-cultural background in media analysis.

Media Production

Ethnography is also valuable in studying media production. By observing and participating in the processes of media creation, researchers can gain insights into the decision-making processes, power dynamics, and cultural influences that shape media content.

For example, an ethnographer might study a newsroom to understand how journalists select and frame news stories. By attending editorial meetings and accompanying journalists in the field, the researcher can observe how they negotiate news values and how external pressures, such as political or commercial interests, influence the final product. This approach reveals the complexities and challenges of producing media in a real-world context.

Digital Ethnography

With the rise of digital media, Ethnography has adapted to study online communities and digital interactions. Digital Ethnography, also known as Netnography, involves studying communities that exist in online spaces, such as social media platforms, forums, or virtual worlds.

For instance, researchers might study how fan communities organise online, create and share content, and develop their cultural norms and practices. By immersing themselves in these online environments, ethnographers can understand how digital media facilitates new forms of social interaction and identity construction.

A notable example is the work of Christine Hine. She conducted ethnographic research on the use of the internet in everyday life. Hine’s work highlighted how the internet is not just a tool for communication but a cultural space where people live out significant parts of their lives (Hine, 2000).

Challenges of Ethnographic Research

While Ethnography offers many benefits, it also presents several challenges that researchers must navigate. These challenges include ethical considerations, time commitment, and the subjective nature of the research.

Ethical Considerations

Ethnographic research often involves close interaction with participants, which raises several ethical issues. Researchers must obtain informed consent from their participants. This approach ensures that participants understand the nature of the research and how researchers will use their data. In some cases, obtaining consent can become complicated, especially in contexts where people might not fully grasp the implications of the research.

Moreover, ethnographers must be mindful of privacy and confidentiality. Since ethnographic research often involves detailed observations of people’s lives, there is a risk of exposing sensitive information. Researchers must take care to anonymise their data and consider how their findings might impact the communities they study.

Time Commitment

Ethnography is a time-intensive research method. It requires researchers to spend extended periods in the field, often months or even years. This time commitment can be challenging, especially for researchers working under time constraints or with limited resources.

The long duration of ethnographic research also means that it is often difficult to cover large populations. Instead, Ethnography typically focuses on small, specific groups, which can limit the generalisability of the findings. However, the depth of understanding gained from Ethnography often outweighs this limitation.

Subjectivity & Reflexivity

Ethnography is inherently subjective. The researcher’s background, beliefs, and experiences can influence their observations and interpretations. This subjectivity is not necessarily a weakness, but it does require the researcher to be constantly reflexive. Reflexivity involves critically examining one’s role in the research process and acknowledging how personal biases might affect the findings.

For example, a researcher studying a community with very different cultural norms from their own might unintentionally interpret behaviours through the lens of their cultural background. Being reflexive means recognising these biases and striving to understand the community’s practices from their perspective.

The Value of Ethnography in Media & Communications

Despite its challenges, Ethnography remains a valuable method in Media and Communications research. It offers unique insights that are difficult to obtain through other research methods. By immersing themselves in the contexts they study, ethnographers can uncover the rich, complex ways in which media influences people’s lives.

Richness of Data

One of the main strengths of Ethnography is the richness of the data it produces. Unlike surveys or experiments, which often reduce social phenomena to numbers and variables, Ethnography captures the complexities and nuances of human behaviour. This richness allows researchers to develop a deep understanding of their subjects. Thus, providing insights that can lead to more effective and culturally sensitive media practices.

Grounded Theory Development

Ethnography often leads to the development of grounded theory. Grounded theory is an inductive approach where theories emerge from the data rather than being imposed from the outset. This approach is particularly useful in Media and Communications, where rapidly changing technologies and cultural practices often outpace existing theories.

For example, an ethnographic study of how people use mobile phones in a particular community might reveal new patterns of behaviour that challenge existing theories of media consumption. By allowing theories to emerge from the data, Ethnography can contribute to the development of more accurate and relevant models of media use.

Influence on Policy & Practice

Ethnographic research can also have a significant impact on policy and practice. By providing a detailed understanding of how people engage with media, Ethnography can inform the design of media content, platforms, and policies that are more aligned with users’ needs and cultural contexts.

For instance, an ethnographic study of children’s television viewing habits might reveal that certain programmes reinforce gender stereotypes. These findings could then be used to advocate for more inclusive and diverse content that better reflects the realities of children’s lives.

Ethnography is a powerful tool in Media and Communications research. It allows researchers to gain a deep, nuanced understanding of how media is embedded in the social and cultural contexts of people’s lives. While it presents challenges, such as ethical considerations and the time-intensive nature of the research, the insights gained through ethnography are invaluable. By immersing themselves in the worlds they study, ethnographers can uncover the rich, complex ways in which media shapes and is shaped by human behaviour.

In a rapidly changing media landscape, where new technologies and platforms are constantly emerging, Ethnography remains a vital method for exploring the cultural and social dimensions of media use. As Media and Communications continue to evolve, ethnographic research will undoubtedly play a crucial role in helping us understand the intricate relationships between media, culture, and society.

Hammersley, M. and Atkinson, P. (2019) Ethnography: Principles in Practice . 4th edn. London: Routledge.

Hine, C. (2000) Virtual Ethnography . London: SAGE Publications.

Morley, D. (1980) The Nationwide Audience: Structure and Decoding . London: BFI.

Morley, D. (1986) Family Television: Cultural Power and Domestic Leisure . London: Routledge.

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255 Original Ethnographic Essay Topics & Ethnography Project Ideas for College Students

Ethnography is a qualitative study field that investigates socio-cultural relations in a specific human community. The research methods involve fieldwork and participant observation. That means that ethnographers must immerse themselves in everyday life of the people they’re studying. Thus, researchers interview and regard the locals while documenting the data about them and their social aspects.

This field is crucial for anthropology and the creation of anthropological theories. Through ethnography, we can document the range of people’s livelihoods, cultures, and practices. It allows us to observe, examine, and empathize with different human experiences.

If you have studied ethnography, you probably know this is a very extensive subject. In this article, our team has collected ethnographic essay topics and research titles. We also listed tips to help you explore and approach your academic paper. You can browse through them as you decide on the best ethnography topic.

🔝 Top 21 Ethnography Topic Examples

• 🔎 Interesting Research Topics
• 📊 Topic Ideas for Comparative Essays

💻 Digital Ethnography Topics

• ❓ Ethnographic Research Questions

✏️ Ethnographic Research Ideas for College Students

💡 ethnography project ideas, 🎓 examples of ethnographic research topics in education, 📜 more topics for ethnographic research paper, 📝 ethnographic essay: plan of action, 🔗 references.

• The homeless population in the UK.
• Global Diversity: Importance of Cultural Differences.
• Cultural practices of the Hadza people.
• Culture and Diversity in Education.
• Evolution of the Spanish language in Mexico.
• Literary Techniques and Ethnicity Role in Screenwriting.
• Differences between Chinese and Indian parents.
• Tattoo significance of the Maori.
• Culture, Globalization, and Intercultural Adaptation.
• Jewish immigrants in the West.
• Essential Elements of Ethnography.
• Nursing home culture in the US.
• The purpose of ethnography.
• Impact of Culture on the American Family System and Structure.
• Rituals of the Japanese tea ceremony.
• Burial rites of the Toraja people.
• American Culture Reflection in Sport.
• The struggles of the Muslim population in France.
• Culture and Representations: Why Culture and Representation Matter.
• Religious practices of American Buddhists.
• Ethnic Groups and Discrimination.

🔎 Interesting Examples of Ethnographic Research Topics

• The social dynamics of a small business owner’s community.
• The cultural practices of Zoroastrian communities.
• The Effects of Diverse Culture of a Business in UAE.
• Does globalization impact the cultural traditions of indigenous tribes?
• The daily life of a group of street vendors in a city.
• Anthropology: The Culture of the People of River Front.
• The impact of gentrification on a neighborhood’s community.
• The cultural differences between various generations within a family.
• Discrimination and marginalization as experienced by the furry subculture.
• The Cultural Diversity- Tool That Influences Organizational Culture.
• The relationships and communication patterns in an office setting.
• What role do social media play in toddler development?
• Human Behavior and Culture: The Relationship Analysis.
• The impact of tourism on the culture of Australian aboriginal tribes.
• The social dynamics of an international university.
• Ancient Rome: History and Culture.
• Social adaptation and communication patterns exhibited by international students.
• The role of traditions in the daily life of an indigenous village.
• The impact of technology on social interactions in underdeveloped nations.
• Academic Motivation: Ethnic Teaching in Dutch Schools.
• Perspectives of Amish voluntary converts on modern technological development.
• The cultural differences between rural and urban areas of Russia.
• Culture, Cultural Identity and Related Phenomena.
• The impact of immigration on the cultural dynamics in Germany.
• The role of gender in social interactions within Muslim communities.
• The use of music as a coping mechanism for individuals experiencing trauma or mental illness.
• ‘Native Americans: Traditional Healing’.
• The social dynamics of the Knotfest music festival.
• The role of sports in community building in Argentina.
• The Influence of Globalization on Arab Culture.
• The evolution of music festival culture in the United States over the past 50 years.
• Does music contribute to shaping the gender identities of American adolescents?
• Ethnicity and Religion Impact on the Second Language Acquisition of Muslims Males.
• The impact of mobilization on warfare perspectives in the Russian population.
• Heritage and Culture in African American Literature.
• The use of music as a tool for social activism and political resistance.
• The impact of social media on the spread of Islamic fundamentalism.
• The cultural practices and traditions of Native American holidays.
• Celebration of Eid Al-Fitr: Its Importance, Traditions, and Meaning.
• Investigating gender and power dynamics within Amish households.
• The role of anonymity in the construction of “alcoholic” identity.
• The role of religion in anonymous alcoholics’ recovery.
• White Non-Hispanics: Ethnic Groups Discrimination Immigration.
• Examining the role of identity performance in LGBTQ+ online communities.
• Organizational Culture and Diversity Within the Modern MNC.
• The role of traditional healers in Afro-Caribbean religious communities.
• Religious attitudes within Death and Black Metal communities.
• The cultural practices and traditions of QAnon members.
• The significance of faith for LGBTQ+ individuals within conservative religious communities.
• Ethnic Identity in Asian American Fiction Authors.

📊 Ethnography Topic Ideas for Comparative Essays

• How do wedding traditions differ in China and the US?
• Comparing Mexican and American neighborhoods.
• Multicultural vs. Citizenship Education.
• Different attitudes toward the afterlife between Christians and Hindus.
• How have school rules changed over the last 20 years?
• Race and Ethnic Gangs in Chicago vs. Los Angeles.
• Women’s roles in matriarchal and patriarchal societies.
• Comparison of gender roles in Western and Eastern cultures.
• Critical features of American and Chinese fairy tales.
• Cohabitation Versus Traditional Marriages.
• Popular children’s games in the US and Australia.
• How does street design differ in American and European cities?
• Comparing business etiquette in the US and Japan.
• The Parisian Culture: European and Islamic Cultures.
• Differences in mealtime traditions between America and China.
• Dress codes in American and Japanese schools.
• Comparison of soccer and baseball fans.
• Tradition and Innovation in Chinese Visual Arts.
• Differences in socializing of homeschoolers and traditional school students.
• Comparing video gaming practices of children and adults.
• Differences Between Slavery and Indentured Servitude.
• A typical day for families with and without children.
• Analysis of Cultures: Deaf Culture, White Culture, and Black Culture.
• Urban parks in New York City and Shanghai.
• Family meals in single-parent and two-parent families.
• Differences in leisure time between young men and women.
• Illegal Immigration: Arizona v. United States Case.
• Shopping habits of Millennials and Baby Boomers.
• Concepts of beauty in ancient Greece and modern America.
• Hobbies popular among single and married people.
• Emmett Scott High School’s Social vs. Academic Culture.
• Shopping experiences of people with and without visual impairments.
• Comparing New Year celebrations in the US and China.
• A typical day for a rural and urban resident.
• Modern vs. Traditional or Alternative Medicine.
• Caregiving practices in African American versus Hispanic communities.
• Differences between Japanese and American restaurant culture.
• Cultural and Linguistic Differences in Education.
• Comparing sports of Native and modern Americans.
• The life of Germans before and after World War II.
• Differences Between the Brazilian and American Cultures.
• Differences in parenting practices between the US and China.
• How does humor differ in Western and Eastern cultures?
• Comparing attitudes toward immigrants in the US and Russia.
• Different perceptions of motherhood in Eastern and Western cultures.
• Egypt Families in Changed and Traditional Forms.
• Principles and practice of digital ethnography .
• Application of modern technologies to social study through digital ethnography.
• Advice on conducting digital ethnography during pandemics.
• Three lies of digital ethnographies.
• Addressing the Cultural Disconnect in Online Learning for First Nations Students in Canada.
• Digital ethnography in a group project: Ethical considerations.
• Electronic ethnography and media usage.
• Digital ethnography to strengthen empirical reasoning.
• Evaluation of a Digital Library: A Case Study.
• Medical students using Twitter for professional development: A digital ethnography.
• Questioning “digital ethnography” in the age of omnipresent computers.
• Modern ethnographic digital techniques for social research.
• The Relationship Between Culture and Technology.
• Research on the third sector using digital ethnography.
• The social network on the dark web using digital ethnography.
• Foreignism, Media, Imperialism Influence on Culture.
• In the era of information warfare, digital ethnography.
• Using embedded visual techniques to reveal consumer values considering digital ethnography.
• Methodological approaches in the digital ethnography of young culture.
• Influence of Culture and Technology on the Stage Design.
• Cybercrime research using digital ethnography: Nomadic digital ethnography and engagement.
• Millennials, young people, and international research collectives.
• Digital Knowledge Platforms Versus Traditional Education Systems.
• COVID-19 pandemic digital ethnography.
• The use of digital ethnography to improve the Erasmus+ mobility program.
• Teach for America’s digital ethnography.
• Social Networks Trends for Reducing Language Barriers.
• A mixed-methods approach to digital ethnography using semantic social networks.
• Conducting ethnographic studies in the digital era.
• Case studies, ideas, and concepts related to digital ethnography.
• Popular Culture, Commercialization and Industrialization.
• Best practice guidelines for digital ethnography in intercultural professional communication.
• Digital ethnography and online gaming.
• Online learning as a digital ethnography of virtual social distance.
• Digital ethnographic methodologies in residential settings: Methodological and ethical considerations.
• Understanding how faculty members use digital ethnography for professional development.
• Principles of Museum in Contemporary and Digital Art.
• Analyzing trends socio-computationally to comprehend digital ethnography online videos.
• Stand-up comedy’s perspective on racism: A digital ethnography of Netflix.
• The study of language, gender, and sexuality using digital ethnography.
• Social Media Role in Promoting Social Change.
• Cross-cultural digital ethnography interpretation: The role of the religious context.
• A digital ethnography of Instagram: likes, hashtags, comments, and publics.

❓ Examples of Ethnographic Research Questions

• Do indigenous populations’ experiences differ in the US and Australia?
• How can Eastern and Western cultures enrich each other?
• What Is the Effect of Music on Culture?
• What are the challenges faced by young and older immigrants?
• How can society facilitate social justice for Australian Indigenous people?
• What are the dietary patterns of Western and Eastern cultures?
• What Are the Immigration and Ethnic Relations in the US?
• How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect ethnic minority groups?
• What are the ethical issues associated with ethnographic research?
• How did the Japanese occupation influence Korean traditions?
• How Do Refugees Affect the Host Country?
• What are the ethnic identities of children from immigrant families?
• How do cultures worldwide differ regarding shame, guilt, and fear?
• How Do Various Races and Ethnicities View the Library?
• What are the examples of social injustice towards Indigenous populations?
• How do history and ethnography complement each other?
• What Are the Changes in Pop Culture?
• What are the experiences of Chinese students in Western universities?
• How do immigrant families maintain the traditions of their cultures?
• What Are the Origins of Hip-Hop Culture?
• What are the healing practices of Latin American ethnic groups?
• How do Mexican immigrants interact with the US healthcare system?
• What Is the Nature of the Racial and Ethnic Inequality?
• What are the history and current state of ethnographic research?
• How do refugees from African countries adjust in Europe?
• What’s the Importance of Ethnic Diversity and Cultural Competence in Nursing?
• What are the specifics of Mexican American ethnicity?
• How does Amazonian brew ayahuasca help in addressing substance addiction?
• What are the three ethnic groups prevalent in the US?
• What Are the Pressures for and Against a Common EU Immigration Policy?
• How does ethnographic research help in understanding different cultures?
• What can American citizens learn from Chinese culture?
• What challenges do Latin American immigrants face in the US?
• What Are the Racial, Ethnic, Cultural and Linguistic Issues in Psychology?
• What do US citizens know about ethnic minority groups’ experiences?
• What does workplace spirituality mean for Indian employees?
• What is Korean individuals’ migration decision-making regarding the US?
• What Is the Connection Between Interracial Marriages and Immigration?
• What obstacles are faced by English as a Second Language students?
• Why do Indigenous people in Australia have trouble accessing water?
• How does foreign religion affect native culture?
• Analysis of social interactions in shopping malls.
• The formation of youth subcultures in urban areas.
• What are the peculiarities of the organization of community festivals?
• Analyzing the communication patterns in cyberspace.
• The culture of sports fandom and its key features.
• The challenges of people experiencing homelessness within specific communities.
• What is the role of political clubs in society?
• Analyzing local stories that reveal cultural values.
• The influence of immigration on the cultural dynamics in the USA.
• The analysis of the perception of children from low-income families.
• How do famous people impact the viewpoints of their fans?
• Analysis of teenage behavior in school and at home.
• The value of religion in anonymous alcoholics’ recovery.
• The peculiarities of community dynamics in a small town or village.
• The culture and customs of indigenous people.
• Analyzing habits of elementary school children.
• How did people perceive the concept of death in the past?
• The origins of women’s roles in different societies.
• Service staff and their particular view on the visitors.
• How do immigrants express their identity in a foreign country?
• The peculiarities of social interactions of employees at a business consulting agency.
• What are the social customs of motorcycle riders?
• The pitfalls in interprofessional teamwork practice among nurses.
• The peculiarities of family structure among Muslims.
• Analyzing people in a local retirement home.
• The career choices of people with higher IQs.
• How do individuals communicate during their journeys on public transportation?
• Observing medical personnel in a high-volume hospital.
• The inner perspective of the culture of gamers.
• The social and cultural dynamics of a high school classroom.
• Analyzing the lifestyle of a high school teacher.
• How do children of wealthy parents behave in the education system?
• The use of modern technology in the learning process and its benefits.
• How do schools respond to the cultural differences of their students?
• The peculiarities of school culture in urban areas.
• How does social media impact school relations?
• The role of teachers in the formation of the identity of students.
• The experience of learning and teaching in an inclusive class.
• How do teachers and students interact with each other in elementary school?
• The concept of social status in any African community.
• What are the key health beliefs and myths in the modern society?
• The view of the American black community on racist narratives.
• The role of media representation in spreading stereotypes.
• The impact of religious beliefs and practices on everyday lives.
• How does social class shape our experiences of life?
• The role of art and music in expressing cultural values.
• Analyzing the lifestyle of a lawyer with a successful career.
• The main greeting gestures in native Chinese societies.
• The connection between urban planning and social segregation.
• The efficiency of online communities in providing support for people with shared experiences.
• The experiences of people living with ADHD.
• What factors influence the physical health of teenagers?
• Analyzing the physical outlook of a smoker at a young age.
• The peculiarities of polygamous marriages in different Asian societies.

Before writing an academic paper, you should have a clear plan. It is especially beneficial for ethnographic essays, as it is a complex study field. Below, we have described how to approach this assignment.

Things to Consider

• After choosing your ethnography topic, the first step is to ask yourself why it matters . Consider what you are attempting to achieve by writing your paper. Who will be your audience? What do you want them to learn?
• Once you have this in mind, write down the questions you hope to answer with your research. They will help you keep your essay or research paper focused.
• Take note of your pre-existing assumptions about your topic. Everyone has personal biases. It is essential to be aware of them when writing an ethnography essay.

Things to Do

• Thorough research is essential to writing a successful paper. It is best to refer to first-hand accounts , which offer the most insight. However, secondary sources can also be valuable for background reading. You can use our online summary generator to save time reading through them.
• Try to find authors with different perspectives . This way, you will likely get a well-rounded impression of the chosen topic.
• Pay attention to how the writers refer to and describe the people they study. You should always question their findings and keep track of their own biases.

Thank you for reading this article. We hope you have managed to find a good ethnography topic idea for your paper. Need a little help putting together your essay title or research question? Try out our handy paraphraser tool !

• What is Ethnography? – Anthropology@Princeton, Princeton University
• Ethnographic Research – The University of Virginia
• Ethnography – Writing Studio, Thompson Writing Program, Duke University
• What Is Ethnographic Research? — National Park Service
• Ethnography: Challenges and Opportunities — BMJ Journals
• Ethnographic Study: Qualitative Studies — GOV.UK

Ethnographic Research Methods Analytical Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Definition of ethnography, main issues in ethnographic research, participant observation, disadvantages of participation observation, styles of field work, relationship of fieldwork style to theory and problem.

The world is full of many complex things which are strenuous and hard to crack. It is difficult to explain how they function, how interrelated with one another they are and how they harmoniously coexist in the ecosystem without the slightest friction emanating from the interaction.

This necessitated the invention of tools and techniques that would be used by scholars to aid them in coming up with logical explanations that are expected to delusively dissect the complex societal processes that range from the socio-cultural to the social-economic processes.

Therefore, this study aims at identifying and explaining in details the concept of ethnography and the research methods that are applied in this area of study. This study will also seek to empower the readers with the necessary knowledge that will help them analyze and evaluate qualitative data captured from the research carried out.

Therefore, for this study to achieve this objective, it will attempt to conceptualize the ethnographic methods from studies that have previously been carried out in this field. In addition to this, the paper will define the term ethnography and also identify the main issues in ethnographic research methods.

The paper will also define participant observation and the pitfalls that have arisen from its application in carrying out research. It is from this thesis that the study is expected to architecture a conclusion that will exhaustively summarize the study.

Ethnography was first applied in anthropology where it was used to carry research studies that were expected to collect qualitative data. Therefore, ethnography can be defined as the qualitative method that is used to study the culture of a given social organization where the results are obtained through active participant observation or interviewing of the subjects under observation by the researcher.

Ethnography is expected to demystify cultural phenomena that characterize the society where knowledge and insights that give meaning to any particular community are studied, learnt and understood in depth by the researcher to discern the underlying fundamental factors that make the society keep on functioning (Ellen, 2001).

The success of any scientific research is partly dependent on the researcher in which his or her ability to apply the research tools and techniques that are most applicable to that specific topic under evaluation as this will raise the credibility of the findings made by the researcher.

Therefore, this study conceives the desire to identify and explain the main tenets of ethnographic research with the objective of discerning that ethnography adheres to the canons of reliability in coming up with the results of any research carried out.

One of the major considerations in the study of ethnography is the issue of ethics. The majority of the ethical issues discussed in ethnographic research fall in five categories, which are informed consent, privacy, harm, exploitation, and the consequences that may arise in future research works.

The ethical issues that arise in ethnographic research should not act as pitfalls in social research studies, but they should be resolved satisfactorily so that effective and efficient research can be carried out (Hammersley & Atkinson, 2007).

Other major features in ethnography entails the selection and the sampling techniques that are employed in identifying which case should be studied, the problems that are encountered in carrying out the research, the identification of the data collection techniques that will be employed in the case being studied, the recording of the data collected and lastly, the data analysis techniques applied (Hammersley & Atkinson, 2007).

Participant observation can be defined as a qualitative method in ethnology research that is used by researchers in the areas of cultural anthropology in which the researcher in given the opportunity to get a close familiarity with a given social group or community in which the researcher is expected to learn some of the practices that a particular group indulges in, through active participation of the researcher alongside the members of group (Watson, 2005).

In participant observation, the researcher gets the chance to mimic the day to day life of the people under review as he or she interacts with the study group in their daily activities. This method allows a researcher to obtain information that is free from biases as the problem associated with behavioral change that comes from the realization that someone is conducting an observation are eliminated.

It is has been noted that the period of ethnographic study that uses participant observation is relatively long. The researcher’s direct involvement with the community gives him or her absolute opportunity to know the diverse perspectives that underline the behavior and interaction criteria of any particular group and how this interplays among its members.

However, it should be noted that the researcher has the opportunity to either observe the community alone or by actively participating in the activities and making the research observations in the process.

This research method is unique because the researcher is able to place him or herself in the community setting and thus the data collected is firsthand and unprecedented. This makes this research method distinct as it approaches the group under review directly in its environment.

This negates the traditional research methods where the group that is being researched on is the one that comes to the researcher. It is from this community setting that researchers are in a position to make careful, precise, calculated and objective notes from the community practices as they see them happening as they are part and parcel of the observed community.

The researcher has the opportunity to recording the group’s activities in the field research notebook as they happen.

Therefore, it is evident that participant observation as a research method is a milestone ahead of others in uncovering very crucial factors in the society with regard to issues such as interaction between the researcher and the participant. These provide the researchers with a thorough understanding of the problem at hand prior to the initiation of the research study (Ellen, 2001).

Despite the efficiency and effectiveness of participant observation to bring to light some of the mysterious practices of the society, the method has a number of drawbacks that have tainted its application in the carrying of research studies in ethnography. One of the major drawbacks of participant observation is the fact that it is time-consuming.

Basing our argument from various past studies, it is evident that most of the research studies that have been conducted using this method have taken more than one year. This drawback makes participant observation practically inapplicable in majority of research studies that require short data collection periods.

In order to mitigate these drawbacks, other measures that may shorten the overall project duration may be adopted. One of the major steps that have been applied to mitigate this problem is using native researchers to study the community as they have a solid understanding of community practices, thus they do not need time to familiarize themselves with community practices (Watson, 2005).

Another drawback that emanates from participant observation is the difficulty of accounting and documenting the data collected. This is because it is very difficult for any researcher to document all crucial data for the study while at the same time, fully concentrate, actively participate and make observations of the activities taking place in the group under review.

More so, an effective research depends on the memory as well as the intra and inter-personal discipline of the researcher. This over-necessitates the importance of having a superficially diligent researcher (Antonius, Robben & Sluka, 2007).

The style of field research refers to the research facet that focuses on the behavior of certain members of a particular society (Ellen, 2001). This is in contrast to ethnography that is involved with identifying and uncovering the practices of a particular group and consequently, attempting to bring out the underlying meaning that is attached to a particular behavior.

The fieldwork style employed by the researcher depends on four factors which are physical, cultural, linguistics and archeology. The cultural factor employs attempts to identify all the aspects of human life that are learnt over a lifetime.

Here, research studies have attempted to demystify how the different groups that exist in the society are in control of all the activities that take place in that society and how duties and responsibilities are delegated harmoniously among the community members.

Physical factors in style of field concentrate on the study of how humans have evolved over time and how they have continuously become sophisticated in their ways of doing things among other factors. It has attempted to discern how human evolution has been influenced by the environmental and cultural factors.

The archeological factor entails the study of the things that have been invented, created and improved by humans over the years. The linguistic factor is concerned with demystifying the factors that influenced the formation and evolution of the languages spoken by different races and tribes of the world.

Also, within the scope of the linguistic factors is discerning how the language and culture of a particular people in the universe have interrelated with the languages and the cultures of other people over the years (Watson, 2005).

This study attempts to come up with an elaborate analysis that is meant to explain the relationship that exists between the fieldwork styles and theories and how this relationship has contributed to theoretical development. It is evident that fieldwork style has played part in the development and formation of the best theories that are expected to fit practical activities of the group that is being studied.

Thus, fieldwork style is very crucial in the formation of the theory that tightly aligns to the topic under investigation. The relationship is embedded on a three phase approach that entails theory selectivity, theoretical integration and creation of the theory itself.

These three phases are fundamental in carrying out ethnographic research because they enhance problem clarification and theoretical congruence as articulated in the fieldwork style employed by the researcher (Antonius, Robben & Sluka, 2007).

Theory selectivity stresses on concept definition in which the researcher is expected to outline the problem at hand in clearly so that they can choose the best theory that to be used. On the other hand, theoretical integration works on forming a bridge in which the problem under research is harmoniously linked with the theory that was identified in the theory selection phase.

This phase ensures that it critically evaluates the problem based on the fieldwork styles that were employed to ensure the theory applied fully solves the problem under investigation. Lastly, the creation of the theory phase identifies all the factors that influence the study and from this the research findings are documented (Antonius, Robben & Sluka, 2007).

Ethnographic research has played a very crucial part in the study of the social, cultural and physical aspects of the communities in their own setting where the finding of the research have tremendously increased the insights that are held by social scientists on the behaviors that characterize certain communities in the world.

It has opened a number of avenues in social research in which things or practices that seemed obvious in the society can be studied and in-depth knowledge acquired.

Therefore, it is prudent to conclude that ethnography has become the tool in which this mysterious aspect of the society can be expressed in a more powerful, vivid and relevant manner so as to align the exact behaviors of the members of the society and the perceptions that are held by outsiders with accurate scientific findings.

Antonius, C. G., Robben, M., & Sluka, J. A. (2007). Ethnographic fieldwork: an anthropological reader. San Francisco : Wiley-Blackwell.

Ellen, R. F. (2001). Ethnographic research: a guide to general conduct. Chicago: Academic Press.

Hamersley, M., & Atkinson, P. (2007). Ethnography: principles in practice. London: Taylor & Francis.

Watson, C. W. (2005). Being there: fieldwork in anthropology. New York: Pluto Press.

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English (EN) - Composition: Ethnographic Essay

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What is an Ethnographic Essay?

Some English instructors will assign an Ethnographic Essay for your English class. What is an Ethnographic Essay?

• It's an essay that focuses on a group, culture or subculture
• It emphasizes close observation, interview, and field notes
• Additional research may be found through library resources
• Other guidelines will be explained to you by your instructor
• Ethnographic Essay Suggestions

Reference Books on Cultures & Subcultures

• American Countercultures: An Encyclopedia of Nonconformists, Alternative Lifestyles, and Radical Ideas in U.S. History by Gina Misiroglu Call Number: Reference 306.1 Am35 2009 (three volumes) Click the PDF document to see an index to this 3-volume reference set in GRCC's Reference collection. Off-campus users may request full-text articles through RaiderLoan.
• Discovering the Peoples of Michigan (series) over 50 titles - a few are in ebook format
• Guides to Subcultures and Countercultures (series) 7 titles, one in ebook format

Ethnographic Essay Databases

Be sure to take a look at the [Subject Guide] that deals with your topic more specifically.  For instance, if you're interested in writing about doctors, nurses, or other health professions, consider a Database from the [Health] , [Nursing] , or other health-related Subject Guides.

• Credo Reference This link opens in a new window Reference E-Books
• Grand Rapids Press This link opens in a new window Online access to the Grand Rapids press from 2000-current. See also MLIVE: http://www.mlive.com/
• Points of View Reference Center This link opens in a new window This is a great database to help you understand the pro's and con's of different debatable topics. It's also a handy place to see a list of really interesting topics if you need paper topic ideas and don't know where to start.
• Research Library This link opens in a new window ProQuest Research Library provides access to a wide range of popular academic subjects from business and political science to literature and psychology. The database includes more than 4,070 titles, nearly 2,800 in full text, from 1971 forward. It includes a diversified mix of scholarly journals, trade publications, magazines, and newspapers.
• SocINDEX with Full Text This link opens in a new window Mostly full-text. Comprehensive sociology research database covering the broad spectrum of sociological study, including Communication studies. The database utilizes subject headings from a built-in sociological thesaurus for better search results.

Ethnographic Essay Topics/Sample Papers

For more ideas on ethnographic essay topics, review your textbook or visit the links below.

• List of Subcultures from Wikipedia
• List of Subcultures from Your-Dictionary.com
• List of Hobbies from Discover a Hobby web page
• Pew Research Center: Reports on politics, religion, and technology trends.
• Google Trends: Highlights trends from Google search term
• Sample Papers from BHM Schools
• Last Updated: Jul 23, 2024 8:49 AM
• URL: https://subjectguides.grcc.edu/englishcomposition