Being Ethnographic: A Guide to the Theory and Practice of Ethnography

Full of practical 'how to' tips for applying theoretical methods - 'doing ethnography' - this book also provides anecdotal evidence and advice for new and experienced researchers on how to engage with their own participation in the field - 'being ethnographic'.

The book clearly sets out the important definitions, methods and applications of field research whilst reinforcing the infinite variability of the human subject and addressing the challenges presented by ethnographers' own passions, intellectual interests, biases and ideologies. Being Ethnographic also investigates the critical horizons of ethnography by discussing cyber ethnography and the ethnography of human-animal relations.

Classical and personal real-world case studies are used by the author to introduce new researchers to the reality of applying ethnographic theory and practice in the field. Topics include:

Talking to people: negotiations, conservations & interviews

Being with People: participation

Looking at People: observations & images

Description: writing 'down' fieldnotes

Analysis to Interpretation: writing 'out' data

Interpretation to Story: writing 'up' ethnography

Clear, engaging and original, this book provides invaluable advice as well as practical tools and study aids for those engaged in ethnographic research.