An Ethnographic Inventory: Field Devices for Anthropological Inquiry

This book explores innovative approaches to ethnographic research, highlighting the creative and inventive practices often overlooked in traditional accounts. It encourages practitioners to venture into new possibilities and embrace the creative spirit of fieldwork.

Format: Hardback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book is a comprehensive guide to ethnographic research methods, presenting fieldwork as an act of relational invention. It delves into contemporary debates in ethnography by asserting that anthropology's empirical practice has always been an inventive endeavor. By bringing together contributions from scholars worldwide, the volume offers an expansive vision of the resourcefulness exhibited by anthropologists in their empirical investigations. The chapters aim to inspire both novice and experienced ethnographers to explore the vast possibilities of fieldwork, showcase the creative and inventive practices often overlooked in traditional accounts of ethnography, and encourage anthropologists to confidently engage in innovative fieldwork practices.

Ethnographic research involves various modes of inquiry, each with its unique approach and methodology. This book provides an inventory of these modes, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding ethnographic practices. It emphasizes the importance of fieldwork as an essential component of ethnographic research, recognizing it as an act of relational invention.

The book argues that anthropology's empirical practice is inherently inventive, as anthropologists engage in creative and imaginative processes to understand the cultures and societies they study. It highlights the importance of compiling inventive social and material techniques, or field devices, for anthropological inquiry. These field devices enable anthropologists to gather data, observe and interact with participants, and analyze their findings in innovative ways.

The chapters in the book explore various inventive social and material techniques employed by anthropologists in their fieldwork. These include participant observation, unstructured interviews, ethnographic photography, audio recording, and the use of digital technologies. Each technique is discussed in detail, with examples and case studies to illustrate their practical applications.

Furthermore, the book emphasizes the importance of venturing into the unknown and embracing the unexpected during fieldwork. It encourages anthropologists to be open-minded, flexible, and responsive to the changing circumstances and contexts they encounter. It emphasizes the need to develop a deep understanding of the cultural and social norms and practices of the communities being studied, as well as to be aware of the ethical considerations and challenges associated with ethnographic research.

The chapters in this book aim to inspire both novice and experienced practitioners of ethnography to explore the many possibilities of fieldwork. They showcase the essential creative and inventive practices neglected in traditional accounts of ethnography and encourage anthropologists to confidently engage in innovative fieldwork practices. By adopting these approaches, anthropologists can contribute to the ongoing development of ethnographic research and make valuable contributions to our understanding of the world.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in ethnographic research. It offers a comprehensive guide to ethnographic research methods, presenting fieldwork as an act of relational invention. By compiling inventive social and material techniques, or field devices, for anthropological inquiry, anthropologists can explore the vast possibilities of fieldwork and contribute to the ongoing development of ethnographic research. The chapters in this book aim to inspire both novice and experienced practitioners of ethnography to venture into the unknown, embrace the unexpected, and engage in innovative fieldwork practices.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032124391