Ethnography

Ethnography: The Basics introduces a broad and beginner audience to ethnography as a research methodology with diverse applications. By using everyday language and developing a warm and inclusive tone, the book provides an accessible entry point to the topic.It offers a picture of the practice of ethnography that is both human and humane, tackling some of the practical barriers, ethical complexities, and lived experiences in an honest and straightforward way. Organised into eight chapters, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the unique purpose, value, and scope of ethnography, as well as a practical guide as to what the practice of ethnographic research involves, such as steps for designing research, gathering data, and analysing and presenting findings.Without relying on assumed familiarity with or interest in discipline-specific histories and frameworks, Ethnography: The Basics combines clear structure, plain language, and thoughtfully selected examples and stories to welcome students into this interesting and valuable subject. The book will also be of great interest to academics and professionals who wish to supplement their ethnographic knowledge.

Susan Wardell is an academic and writer from Aotearoa New Zealand. She is Senior Lecturer in the Social Anthropology programme at the University of Otago, with a shared background in communication studies. Her own research focuses on emotion and affect, digital sociality, health, and mental health, with recent work covering topics such as online medical crowdfunding and ecological distress. She is interested in public communication and in creative ethnography, writing and publishing in several literary genres, while also dabbling in visual and performance arts. Susan is Pākehā (New Zealand European) and lives in Ōtepoti Dunedin.