Critical Ethnography: Method, Ethics, and Performance

by D. Soyini Madison

"Critical Ethnography is a rare and beautiful synthesis of deft theorizing and principled pragmatics. The complexities of ethnography demand a grasp of both theory and practice, but rarely have they come together so clearly and completely as in this passionately written text. I especially appreciate the thoughtful attention to the intellectual roots of the critical tradition in ethnography, and to the way students are rigorously led through the methodological consequences of critical epistemology."

 ―Judith Hamera, Texas A&M University

"I would strongly recommend this book for use in any course that explores the role of critical analysis in research. This book thoughtfully discusses and teaches about trying to understand the meanings attributed by others in regard to their expertise."

―Amy Paul-Ward, Florida International University

What is critical ethnography? How do we use theory to interpret research data? What is performance ethnography? Readers can find answers to these fundamental questions in D. Soyini Madison′s engaging and highly multidisciplinary Third Edition of Critical Methods, Ethics, and Performance. 

The book presents a fresh new look at critical ethnography by emphasizing the significance of ethics and performance in the art and politics of fieldwork. The productive links between theory and method are celebrated in this title. 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 "enact" the interdependence between theory and method and the significance of social theory, ethics, and performance.

Genres: Academic, Anthropology, Grad School, Ethnography

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2005

Reviews

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Kathrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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