Ethnography
Ethnography
Ethnography (/ɛθˈnɒɡrəfi/; from Greek ethnos "folk, people, nation" and grapho "I write") is the systematic study of people and cultures. It is designed to explore cultural phenomena where the researcher observes society from the point of view of the subject of the study.
Etymology
The term Ethnography is derived from the Greek words ethnos, meaning "folk, people, nation", and grapho, meaning "I write". It was first used in English in the late 18th century, but its use has evolved significantly since then.
Definition
Ethnography is a qualitative research method often used in social sciences, particularly in anthropology and in some branches of sociology, also known as part of historical science that studies people, ethnic groups and other ethnic formations, their ethnogenesis, composition, resettlement, social welfare characteristics, as well as their material and spiritual culture.
Methodology
The typical ethnography is a holistic study and so includes a brief history, and an analysis of the terrain, the climate, and the habitat. In all cases, it should be reflexive, make a substantial contribution toward the understanding of the social life of humans, have an aesthetic impact on the reader, and express a credible reality. An ethnography records all observed behavior and describes all symbol-meaning relations, using concepts that avoid causal explanations.
Related Terms
- Anthropology: The scientific study of humanity, concerned with human behavior, human biology, cultures and societies, in both the present and past, including past human species.
- Sociology: The study of society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture that surrounds everyday life.
- Culture: An umbrella term which encompasses the social behavior and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups.
- Qualitative Research: Primarily exploratory research. It is used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ethnography
- Wikipedia's article - Ethnography
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