Ethnography and Communication

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and terms related to ethnography from the lecture notes.

Ethnography

The systematic study of people and cultures, primarily through participant observation and immersive fieldwork.

Participant Observation

A qualitative research method where the researcher engages with and observes the social practices of a community to gain a deeper understanding.

Cultural Relativism

The principle of understanding a culture by its own standards without judgment from outside cultural norms.

Fieldwork

Research conducted by a sociologist or anthropologist in the community being studied, often involving direct interaction with participants.

Thick Description

Clifford Geertz's term for a detailed, layered account of a cultural practice that aims to convey the multiple meanings within it.

Ethnography as Methodology

Combines data collection techniques with a philosophical understanding of research practice and its ethical implications.

Gatekeepers

Individuals or entities that control access to a community or group, important for establishing trust and gaining insight during ethnographic research.

Reflexivity

The practice of reflecting critically on the self and how one’s background, values, and experiences influence their research.

Arm-Chair Anthropology

A method where anthropologists conduct research based on second-hand accounts rather than immersive fieldwork.

Cultural Anthropology

A subfield of anthropology focused on the study of contemporary human cultures and their diverse practices.

Longitudinal Research

A research design that involves repeated observations of the same variables over long periods.

Ethnographic Writing

The narrative that presents ethnographic research findings, emphasizing both description and interpretation of the studied culture.

Social Structure

An organized pattern of social relationships and institutions within a given society.