Introduction
In anthropology, ethnography is not just a method but also a form of storytelling. Over time, different approaches have shaped how ethnographies are written and interpreted. Two major approaches that emerged in the 20th century are the interpretative and feminist approaches. Both seek to challenge traditional, objective views of culture and instead emphasize meaning, context, power, and voice in ethnographic work.
Interpretative Approach in Ethnography
The interpretative approach views culture as a system of symbols and meanings. It was popularized by anthropologists like Clifford Geertz, who believed that understanding culture requires interpreting the symbols and practices within their social context.
Key Features:
- Thick Description: Geertz advocated for deep, contextualized descriptions that explore the meaning behind cultural actions.
- Meaning over Behavior: Focus is on how people make sense of their world rather than only what they do.
- Culture as Text: Culture is read like a text that needs interpretation by the ethnographer.
Example:
In Geertz’s essay “Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight,” he interprets the cockfight not as a sport but as a symbolic expression of social hierarchy, masculinity, and competition among Balinese men.
Feminist Approach in Ethnography
The feminist approach in ethnography challenges male-centered research and advocates for inclusivity, reflexivity, and ethical sensitivity. Feminist ethnographers aim to represent women’s voices and examine how gender shapes everyday life and power dynamics.
Key Features:
- Reflexivity: The ethnographer reflects on their own position, gender, and power in the research process.
- Voice and Representation: Gives voice to marginalized women and questions dominant narratives.
- Ethics and Empathy: Prioritizes ethical engagement and building trust with communities.
Example:
In “Notes on Love in a Tamil Family”, Margaret Trawick uses a feminist lens to explore love, kinship, and women’s experiences in South India. She writes in a deeply personal and empathetic manner, highlighting women’s roles in emotional and cultural life.
Comparison of the Two Approaches
| Aspect | Interpretative | Feminist |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Symbols and meaning | Gender, power, representation |
| Key Scholar | Clifford Geertz | Margaret Trawick, Sherry Ortner |
| Method | Thick description | Reflexive, participatory |
| Ethics | Less emphasized | Central to research |
Conclusion
Both interpretative and feminist approaches have significantly enriched ethnographic writing. The interpretative approach deepens our understanding of symbolic meanings in culture, while the feminist approach brings attention to the politics of representation, voice, and gender. Together, they move ethnography beyond objective reporting to a more inclusive and thoughtful form of cultural understanding.