Ethnographically Speaking: Autoethnography, Literature and Aesthetics

Ethnographic Alternatives

by Arthur P. Bochner (Editor), Carolyn Ellis (Editor)

This volume presents the latest explorations of the literary turn in ethnographic work by many of the leading people in the area. Centering on autoethnography, personal narrative, ethnographic performance, and the blending of social science and the arts, the articles collected here emphasize embodiment, experiential understanding, participatory ways of knowing, sensuous engagement, and intimate encounter. Drawing from disciplines as diverse as sociology, philosophy, performance studies, communication, family therapy, and English, the authors here demonstrate the many ways in which ethnography can be effectively conducted and expressed. The editors weave narrative and conversations surrounding the conference from which these pieces emerged into a reflexive volume which includes poetry, stories, theatre, and visual media as well as critical pieces. Accessible and jargon free, this book should excite scholars and students as to the expanding possibilities for ethnographic presentation.

Genres: Anthropology

Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Arda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notes from thesis:
Autoethnography elevates our insight into distinct experiences.

[effie · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh. I still have a lot of issues with Ms Ellis and her self-important self-indulgent semi-fictional "ethnography", but a few of the selections in here (not by her) were interesting, and it's nice to see that other people are asking the same questions about this kind of work...