Ethnography: A Way of Seeing

by Harry F. Wolcott University of Oregon; (d. 2012)

Overview

One of anthropology's leading writers on ethnographic methods, Harry Wolcott discusses the fundamental nature of ethnographic studies. Tracing its development from its disciplinary origins in sociology and anthropology, he points out what is distinctive about ethnography and what it means to conduct research in the ethnographic tradition. In this engaging and thought-provoking book, Wolcott distinguishes ethnography as more than just a set of field methods and practices, separating it from many related qualitative research traditions as 'a way of seeing' through the lens of culture. For both beginning and experienced ethnographers in a wide range of disciplines, Wolcott's book will provide important ideas for improving research practice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780759120600
Publisher:	AltaMira Press
Publication date:	01/28/2008
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	352
File size:	718 KB

About the Author

Harry F. Wolcott (1929-2012) was professor emeritus in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Oregon and a leading author in anthropology and research methods. Wolcott's major works include anthropological studies of American education: Teachers Versus Technocrats and The Man in the Principal's Office: An Ethnography. He also wrote extensively on fieldwork and writing: Transforming Qualitative Data; The Art of Fieldwork; Ethnography: A Way of Seeing; and Writing Up Qualitative Data and is the author of the more recent Sneaky Kid and Its Aftermath: Ethics and Intimacy in Fieldwork (all published by AltaMira Press).

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Ethnography in the Good Old Days
Chapter 2 Where in the World Do You Think You Are Going?
Chapter 3 Ethnography as a Way of Looking
Chapter 4 Ethnography as a Way of Seeing
Chapter 5 Traditional Ethnography and Ethnographic Traditions
Chapter 6 Ethnography from Inside Out
Chapter 7 Hurried Ethnography for Harried Ethnographers
Chapter 8 Ethnography's Many Faces
Chapter 9 Does It Matter Whether or nor It's Ethnography?
Chapter 10 Ethnography as a Piece of Cake
Chapter 11 Writing with Culture
Chapter 12 Writing Ethnography
Chapter 13 Ethnography Matters: Looking Ahead, Looking Back

Editorial Reviews

This casual yet informed synthesis, written in an egaging style, is what sets Wolcott's book apart from the humdrum of texts that discuss methods formally, often in a staccato, bland, and abstracted tone, usually detatched from application....Wolcott's excursion is a wonderful raft ride through the flows, eddies, and rapids of anthropological experience that is always theoretically informed.

December 2008 H-Afrarts

My students are always impressed with Wolcott's engaging writing style, wit, and no nonsense approach to fieldwork. Ethnography: A Way of Seeing highlights the importance of creativity and common sense in doing fieldwork.

Douglas Foley

This second edition draws readers closer to Wolcott’s vision of the interpretive stance that underlies ethnography. In an era when ethnographers may be challenged to articulate how their work contributes to different kinds of knowledge, this book shows the way.

Peter Demerath