Critical Ethnography: A Theoretical Assessment

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. in Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran;

2 Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Policy, Faculty of Social Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

10.22034/jscc.2023.19667.1065

Abstract

Background and Aim: Research and discussion on human bahavoir and attitudes has always been the subject of debate throughout history. The social sciences undertake the study and analsis of the ever-changing nature of human behaviors and actions. Due to the human's creative agency alongside their rationality, attaining a comprehensive understanding in this domain is often met with skepticism. Moreover, the social sciences also have inherent limitations and uncertainties, particularly concerning the researcher's role within the rsearch process. Consequently, many scholars have criticized prevailing methodologies, prompting the development of diverse research techniques within the social sciences. Among these, critical ethnography emerges as a particularly potent and innovative method. This article attempts to examine the ontological, epistemological, and methodological foundations of critical ethnography.
 
Methods and Data:  This study employs a documentary research methodology.
 
Findings: Critical ethnography, with its distinctive technique of participant observation, opens avenues for a broad spectrum of data collection methods, ranging from photography and mixed media to discourse analysis. This flexibility allows researchers to select methods that align with their preferences and project needs, fostering the potential for new and intresting insights.
 
Conclusion: The application of critical ethnography enables researchers in the social sciences to maneuver among dominant paradigms and leverage their capabilities through pragmatist insights, utilizing ethical and emic approaches, thereby enhancing sociological understanding and insight, which, of course, is entirely critical in nature.
 
Key Message: In his critical ethnography framework, Carspecken introduces a new approach characterized by paradigmatic interweaving that is entirely critical. This approach provides an opportunity to utilize a wide range of data collection techniques, from photography and mixed media to various discourse analysis methods.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Social Continuity and Change (JSCC)

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 March 2024

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