For Ethnography
- Paul Atkinson - Cardiff University, UK
"This text is something of a masterclass in its own right. Few are as well placed to comment on the debates surrounding ethnography – debates which the author had been instrumental in shaping – and to offer a clear and authoritative call-to-arms to future, aspirant ethnographers. It is a passionate but realistic manifesto for those wishing to undertake the craft of ethnography and to do it well. All who read it will benefit."
- Sam Hillyard, Durham University
This major book from one of the world’s foremost authorities recaptures the classic inspirations of ethnographic fieldwork in sociology and anthropology, reflecting on decades of methodological development and empirical research. It is part manifesto, part guidance on the appropriate focus of the ethnographic gaze.
Throughout Atkinson insists that ethnographic research must be faithful to the intrinsic and complex organization of everyday life. An attempt to rescue ethnography from contemporary ‘qualitative’ research, the book is a corrective to the corrosive effects of postmodernism on the analysis of social organization and social action. Atkinson affirms the value of fieldwork, while incorporating contemporary perspectives on social analysis.
Paul Atkinson is Distinguished Research Professor of Sociology at Cardiff University, where he is also Associate Director of the ESRC Centre for Economic and Social Aspects of Genomics.
For dissertation students to consider their practice with the community of the hospital ward
The book tells an interesting Story for all students trying to learn more about the specifity of ethnography as seen by the author
This answers some of the tricky questions that doctoral students wrestle with in conducting, analysing and presenting their studies. It provides much food for thought and that stimulus to intellectual development is essential at this level. It goes beyond the 'how to' texts which proliferate.
Students study ethnography as part of a research methods. Although this text adopts a theoretical approach I have used it with my students.
A very useful book for understanding ethnography and the rigor behind it.
Atkinson´s work and ideas about Etnography is crucial and important.
So if the student consider working with ethnography in their futher studies - they should read it.
This is a great book for those who wish to undertake a realistic and pure ethnographic approach of research. A reference that I will recommend to all my third year students that have decided to engage on this fascinating world of social analyse.
Whilst not a core text, this book is one of the key recommended texts for the ethnography component of the module.
Atkinson once again provides us with a superb discussion of ethnography and ethnographic practice. The book draws on many years of research and teaching experience, to explore questions of epistemology, ontology and the ethnographic 'commitment'. While this may prove a challenging read for those new to social research, nevertheless, it covers all of the issues central to the topic from theory and practice through to the difficult issue of research ethics.
A very useful guide to ethnography which provides up to date and step by step detail for anyone starting out in this field
