Critical Ethnography: Method, Ethics, and Performance

by D. Soyini Madison

The revised Second Edition of Critical Ethnography guides readers through theories, methods, and ethics of ethnographic research creating a confidence to complete fieldwork while demonstrating analytical and theoretical depth. This text highlights the productive links between theory and method and how both become more valuable as they interact through fieldwork. Theoretical concepts range from queer theory, feminist theory, and critical race theory to Marxism and phenomenology. The methodological techniques range from designing and asking in-depth interview questions and developing rapport to coding and interpreting data. The various theories and methods culminate in three fictional ethnographic case studies that guide readers on how to incorporate theoretical concepts with their interpretations and data analysis.

Genres: Academic, Anthropology, Grad School, Ethnography

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2005

Reviews

[Gretchen]

Incredibly helpful in thinking about my critical cataloging project in some different lights, even thought it's not strictly ethnography. Would recommend if you are thinking about a project with cultural/social implications.

[Paul]

A true methods masterpiece; not a how-to-book for beginners but rather an intellectually stimulating tour de force exploring the ontological and epistemological foundations of qualitative research.

[David]

This an excellent and well-informed book about the doing of ethnography, from A to Z, with a focus on performance. Although I don't share the "ethical activist" stance Madison sometimes espouses, I still appreciated the engaging way she explains and encourages critical ethnography. I also appreciated her eloquent summaries of complex theories, especially performance theories but others as well, which makes this book a handy reference tool in addition to being an entertaining and thought-provoking read.

[Arda]

Notes from thesis:

The way of autoethnography is expressed best by way of theorizing our own as well as others’ stories (Madison, 2012).

Thinking outside of one’s own context and circle of understanding, and considering alternative ways of conceptualizing and navigating through life while being exposed to different situations and codes of languages, can bring forth new ways of analyzing the self (Madison, 2012).

[Tamara Wasylenky]

This book takes an inspiring look at the current ethnographic circumstance and the critical issues surrounding the research method. I would definitely recommend it to anyone reading ethnography or considering contemporary critical issues in anthropology.

[Clayton Ellis]

Professional reading for a Masters course. I don't know if it is fair to rate something I must read.

[Kathrina]

There is some useful info in here, but you need to dig for it amongst lots of semi-religious, almost transcendental, emotive gushing. (Why does she include an interview with Desmond Tutu concerning his belief in God?) I think she advocates for a little more personal auto-ethnographic style than I prefer in my research methods. I'd recommend Doing Critical Ethnographyover this one for down-and-dirty critical observation.

[Caitlin]

I found this book very helpful. Davidson uses a lot of examples to support her concepts, which makes her text useful and easy to understand.

[Meiver]

- useful practical guide (ethnographic methods)
- ethnographic and performance theory
- ethical and moral issues in ethnographic research
- ethnography and activism