Representation in Ethnography

For the past decade the function of the ethnographer′s work has been challenged. Ethnographic texts are now deconstructed for their origins, their biases and their literary devices, and the boundaries of the genre have been expanded through experiments in presentation.

This volume explores many of the dimensions of the representational challenge to contemporary ethnography. The contributors, well-known scholars in their field, cover such topics as: fieldnotes; the role of description, narrative, humour and acknowledgements; the relationship between ethnography and other forms of writing; and alternative means of presenting ethnographic work.

For at least a decade, the function of the ethnographer′s work as simple cultural description has been challenged. In response, ethnographic texts have been deconstructed for their origins, their biases, and their literary devices--all of which have resulted in heightened methodological self-consciousness and a concern for reflexivity. This volume explores many of the dimensions of the representational challenges facing contemporary ethnography. The distinguished contributors--Van Maanen, Manning, Wolcott, Agar, Fine, Richardson, and others--cover topics such as fieldnotes; the role of description, narrative, humor, and acknowledgments; the relationship between ethnography and other forms of writing; and alternative means of presenting ethnographic work. Anyone interested in qualitative methods, particularly ethnography, and those who are involved in the examination of the inner workings of ethnographic writing will consider this a valuable work.