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From Participant Observation to the Observation of Participation: The Emergence of Narrative Ethnography on JSTOR
Summary
The article discusses how cultural anthropology has shifted from a methodology of participant observation to the observation of participation, wherein ethnographers both experience and observe their own and others' coparticipation within the ethnographic encounter. This shift entails a representational transformation in which both the Self and Other are presented together within a single narrative ethnography, focusing on the character and process of the ethnographic dialogue. The article also provides information on the Journal of Anthropological Research, which is published by the University of Chicago Press with the mission to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard and to promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life.
Q&As
What is the purpose of the Journal of Anthropological Research?
The purpose of the Journal of Anthropological Research is to publish substantive, peer-reviewed research articles and book reviews in all subfields of anthropology.
How did the methodology of cultural anthropological research change in the 1970s?
In the 1970s, the methodology of cultural anthropological research shifted from participant observation to the observation of participation.
What is the focus of narrative ethnography?
The focus of narrative ethnography is on the character and process of the ethnographic dialogue between the Self and the Other.
What is the mission of the University of Chicago Press?
The mission of the University of Chicago Press is to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard and to publish serious works that promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life.
What is included in the JSTOR collection for the Journal of Anthropological Research?
The JSTOR collection for the Journal of Anthropological Research includes the journal itself, the JAR Distinguished Lectures by leading scholars in the discipline, and the terms and conditions for use.
AI Comments
👍 This article provides an informative and interesting overview of the shift from participant observation to the observation of participation in cultural anthropology. It is well-written and provides a comprehensive view of the changing field of anthropology.
👎 The article is long and dense, and may be difficult for some readers to understand without prior knowledge of anthropology. Additionally, the cost of subscribing to the Journal of Anthropological Research may be a barrier to access.
AI Discussion
Me: It discusses how cultural anthropologists have shifted from a participant observation methodology to an observation of participation. It states that instead of a choice between writing an ethnographic memoir centering on the Self or a standard monograph centering on the Other, both the Self and Other are presented together within a single narrative ethnography, focused on the character and process of the ethnographic dialogue.
Friend: Wow, that's really interesting. What are the implications of this shift?
Me: Well, the implications are that anthropologists are now able to tell a story that includes both the perspective of the researcher and the perspective of the participant, which is useful in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. It also allows for more nuanced interpretations of the data, since both perspectives are included. Additionally, the shift may encourage more meaningful dialogue between the researcher and the participant, since both parties can contribute to the narrative.
Action items
- Read the latest issue of the Journal of Anthropological Research to stay up to date on the latest research in anthropology.
- Explore the University of Chicago Press website to learn more about the other journals and hardcover serials they publish.
- Consider subscribing to the Journal of Anthropological Research to gain access to the latest research in the field.
Technical terms
- Participant Observation
- A research method used in anthropology and other social sciences in which the researcher observes and participates in the daily activities of a group or culture.
- Observation of Participation
- A research method used in anthropology and other social sciences in which the researcher observes and participates in the interactions between members of a group or culture.
- Narrative Ethnography
- A form of ethnography that combines the researcher's observations and experiences with the stories of the people being studied.
- JSTOR
- An online library of academic journals, books, and primary sources.
- Peer-Reviewed
- A process in which experts in a field review a piece of work to ensure its accuracy and quality.
- Subfields of Anthropology
- Areas of study within the discipline of anthropology, such as cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, and linguistic anthropology.
- The University of Chicago Press
- A publishing house founded in 1890 as one of the three main divisions of the University of Chicago.