Ethics in Ethnography

Ethnography in Practice explores the many ways that ethnographic research intersects with and enhances a variety of areas of practice. The goal of the book is to show how informal and formal ethnographic methods and knowledge contribute to the typical arenas in which ethnographers do their work. Most ethnography cannot be done without support from others both external and internal to the field situation. But all applied or practice oriented social science that has potential for effect really must be done in collaboration with others and involves negotiating goals, perspectives, values, and ethical codes of behavior. Thus, book 7 devotes three full chapters to these issues. The remainder of the book dissects the uses of mixed methods ethnography in all stages of a study, from the dissemination of "formative" or basic research, which constitutes the work of most ethnographers, to evaluation, administration, improvement of services and public health, critical pedagogy, policy promotion, and advocacy. A final chapter discusses ethical and practical issues in ethnography-in-practice-when ethnographers in a practice role are simultaneously doing research for example in the study of social movements, or with the military. Extended case examples, charts, and tables illustrate options and suggested methodological choices and discuss the dilemmas that applied ethnographers encounter when making decisions about research and action in the field. Unlike other applied ethnographic volumes, Book 7 avoids summaries of work in each domain of practice; instead, it offers a unique perspective and guidelines for "how to" use mixed methods ethnography in practice.