How to Read Ethnography

by Paloma Gay y Blasco, Huon Wardle

How to Read Ethnography is an invaluable guide to approaching anthropological texts. Laying bare the central conventions of ethnographic writing, it helps students to develop a critical understanding of texts and explains how to identify and analyse the core ideas in order to apply these ideas to other areas of study. Above all it enables students to read ethnographies anthropologically and to develop an anthropological imagination of their own. Combining lucid explanations with selections from key texts, this excellent guide is ideal reading for those new to the subject or in need of a refresher course.

Genres: Anthropology, Ethnography, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published October 4, 2006

Reviews

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book offers a very good introduction to ethnographic writing and anthropological fieldwork, particularly useful for those without a background in anthropology but wanting to know more about the discipline. It could be made richer by including more Southern scholars (even from other disciplines), including both their perspectives and work on key issues covered, but I guess the book reflects the Eurocentrism (and colonial origins) of the field. Regardless, I would still highly recommend it for those wanting to acquire foundational knowledge on social anthropology, particularly to learn how to approach and analyse ethnographies.

[Jay Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and concise. Also, the practice activities are well-designed