On ethnographic knowledge

Atkinson, Paul and Morriss, Lisa (2017) On ethnographic knowledge. Qualitative Inquiry, 23 (5). pp. 323-331. ISSN 1077-8004

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Abstract

We discuss the kinds and degrees of competence that the ethnographer needs to acquire. We consider the “unique adequacy” postulate, proposed by ethnomethodologists, that suggests that in the study of esoteric or specialized domains, the researcher needs to acquire or have previously acquired competence themselves. We suggest that this deserves more critical and nuanced scrutiny, not least given the impossibility of having prior competence in all aspects of a complex organization or activity. We also suggest that we need a more delicate appreciation of types of competence and, hence, of ethnographic knowledge. There is no single prescription, but a more thorough appreciation of the sociology of knowledge will inform ethnographic practice and methodological commentary.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Qualitative Inquiry
Additional Information:
The final, definitive version of this article has been published in the Journal, Qualitative Inquiry, 23 (5), 2016, © SAGE Publications Ltd, 2016 by SAGE Publications Ltd at the Qualitative Inquiry page: http://qix.sagepub.com/ on SAGE Journals Online: http://online.sagepub.com/
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3301
Subjects:
?? ethnographyethnographiesmethodologiesqualitative research and educationqualitative researchtrainingevaluating and extending qualitative methodsdecolonizing the academypedagogysocial sciences (miscellaneous)anthropology ??
ID Code:
80323
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
06 Jul 2016 10:02
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
06 Nov 2024 01:06