What is Ethnography

A kind of research used mostly by anthropologists, which features direct, qualitative observation of and interaction with people in their natural settings.

The researcher engages in fieldwork, utilizing participant observation and intensive interviewing to understand the culture of the group being studied, or some aspect of it; intensive interaction with communities achieved by living among them or visiting them frequently in a short span of time or over the years

The result is a written (or filmed) ethnographic account or report.

Importance of Ethnography:

It gives primary attention to people as they live their everyday lives or are involved in particular situations affecting them

Data-gathering emphasizes their perspectives and meanings, and the validity of their ways of thinking and behaving in their particular setting; categories of information come from their testimony and observed behavior; empirical research

It is non-judgmental, embodying intrinsic respect for people’s views, behaviors and cultural logic
Any individual can do ethnography armed with pad and pencil, tape recorder, or audio-visual equipment, provided he/she has the proper orientation and basic knowledge of the methodology; ethnography is not capital or technology intensive

One comes to appreciate other ways of thinking and doing, the meanings people give to their lives, and gain respect for perspectives often different from their own; a powerful learning methodology