Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
Ethnography: Learning How to Ask. |
| Authors: |
Krause, Inga‐Britt (AUTHOR) |
| Source: |
Journal of Family Therapy. May2026, Vol. 48 Issue 2, p1-8. 8p. |
| Subjects: |
Inuit, Qualitative research, Participant observation, Culture, Fieldwork (Educational method), Ethnology, Discourse analysis, Acquisition of data, Communication, Patient-professional relations, Research methodology, Grounded theory, Interpersonal relations, Research ethics |
| Geographic Terms: |
Melanesia, United Kingdom |
| Abstract: |
In this research methods article, it is argued that the issue of 'learning how to ask' is central to both ethnography and clinical practice. The paper describes ethnography and participant observation in qualitative research, arguing that ethnography is an ethical, political and disciplined approach. A short history of anthropology is provided, including the colonial setting of its origin. The article then describes what is involved in carrying out ethnography, how material, often referred to as data, is accessed, and how this material may be analysed. The close involvement of the person and the body of the researcher(s) in these processes is explained. The article makes a distinction between anthropology, ethnography and participant observation in relation to how these capture the processes of everyday life. In conclusion, the author argues for the need to recognise plurality, reflexivity and sustainability in relationships between researchers and systemic psychotherapists and their interlocutors. Practitioner Points: Qualitative researchers and systemic psychotherapy practitioners can learn to ask better questions of their participants by questioning the validity and authenticity of the questions they do ask.In qualitative research, ethnography as a research method offers opportunities to enhance the ethics of the enquiry into the everyday and the taken for granted.Ethnographic enquiries are similar to systemic psychotherapy enquiries in aiming to consider context and what lies behind appearances.Ethnography emphasises the partiality and plurality of persons, the reflexivity of the researcher and the necessity of forging sustainable relationships in research. These principles are also compelling for systemic psychotherapy practitioners wanting to promote decolonisation and equality in their work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: |
Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
