Ethnography: The Basics introduces a broad and beginner audience to ethnography, as a research methodology with diverse applications. By using everyday language, and developing a warm and inclusive tone, the book provides an accessible entry point to the topic.

In both tone and content, the book provides a picture of the practice of ethnography that is both human and humane; tackling some of the practical barriers, ethical complexities, and lived experiences, in an honest and straightforward way. Organised into eight chapters, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the unique purpose, value, and scope of ethnography and provides a practical guide as to what the practice of ethnography involves, such as: steps for designing research, gathering data, analysing and presenting findings.

Without relying on assumed familiarity with, or interest in, discipline-specific histories and frameworks, Ethnography: The Basics combines clear structure, plain language, and thoughtfully selected examples and stories, to welcome students into this interesting and valuable subject. The book will also be of great interest to academics and professionals who wish to supplement their ethnographic knowledge.

About the Author

Susan Wardell is an academic and writer from Aotearoa New Zealand. She is a Senior Lecturer in the Social Anthropology programme at the University of Otago, with a shared background in Communication Studies. Her own research focuses on emotion and affect, digital sociality, health and mental health, with recent work covering topics such as online medical crowdfunding, and ecological distress. She is interested in public communication, and also interested in creative ethnography, writing and publishing in several literary genres, while also dabbling in visual and performance arts. Susan is Pakeha (New Zealand European) and lives in Otepoti Dunedin.

Reviews

"Once you are convinced that the only way we are ever going to be able to study and understand life as it is actually lived is through ethnography, then you know why it is so important for other people to appreciate this and ideally learn to be ethnographers. Reading this book you can feel the passionate commitment to this goal of persuasion. Thanks to its abundant `story box' illustrations, its discussion of foundational principles and practices and above all the sense of a holistic imagination of what this holistic method entails, the book effectively delivers. Ethnography will grant you empathy and expand your life, but first, you need to learn what it is."

Professor Daniel Miller, Professor of Anthropology, University College London

Book Information
ISBN 9781032520124
Author Susan Wardell
Format Paperback
Page Count 244
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd