Introduction
Ethnography is a qualitative research method used in social sciences to study cultures, communities, and everyday life. The word comes from the Greek words “ethnos” (people) and “grapho” (to write). It involves spending time with people in their natural setting to observe and understand their behavior, customs, and beliefs. Ethnographers often live in the community they are studying, sometimes for months or even years.
Main Characteristics of Ethnography
1. Fieldwork-Based
- Ethnography involves going into the field—living, working, or observing people in their real-life environments.
- It is not based in labs or classrooms but in actual communities, homes, or workplaces.
2. Participant Observation
- The researcher not only observes but often participates in the daily activities of the group being studied.
- This helps gain deeper insight and build trust with the community.
3. Holistic Understanding
- Ethnography looks at all aspects of life—family, religion, economy, traditions, and daily routines.
- It seeks to understand how everything is connected within the culture.
4. Long-Term Engagement
- Ethnographic studies often take a long time—several months to years—because deep understanding requires building relationships and observing changes over time.
5. Use of Qualitative Data
- The data in ethnography is mostly descriptive—notes, interviews, photos, and recordings.
- The goal is not numbers but detailed, rich understanding.
6. Cultural Sensitivity
- Ethnographers must respect the values, beliefs, and customs of the people they study.
- They avoid judging the community and try to understand it from within.
7. Narratives and Stories
- Stories and life experiences of individuals are important sources of data in ethnography.
- This makes the research more personal and human-centered.
Conclusion
Ethnography is a powerful tool for studying people in their natural setting. It provides deep, personal, and cultural insights that other methods may not offer. While it takes time and effort, it helps researchers truly understand the lives, values, and relationships of the people they study. It is especially important in anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies.