Goal

To compare and contrast our personal life to others around the world and make connections within diverse populations.

Background

Ethnographers study people and cultures by using qualitative methods. Ethnography or ethnographic research is the firsthand, field-based study of a particular culture by spending at least one year living with people and learning their customs and practices (Kottak and Kozaitis, 2012). In the field, ethnographers are participant observers and a participant of the group or society of study. Participant observers face challenges in remaining objective, non-bias, and ensuring their participation does not lead or influence others of the group in a specific direction (Kennedy, Norwood, and Jendian, 2017). This research approach expects ethnographers to eliminate the risk of contaminating data with interference or bias interpretations as much as humanly possible.

Some researchers choose to study their own culture. These practitioners refer to themselves as native anthropologists. Many native anthropologists have experience studying other cultures prior to researching their own (Kottak and Kozaitis, 2012). The practice of learning how to study other cultures gives practitioners the skills and knowledge they need to study their own culture more objectively. In addition, by studying other cultures then one’s own, native anthropologists are able to compare and analyze similarities and differences in cultural perceptions and practices.

Visual ethnography is a qualitative research method of photographic images with socio-cultural representations. The experience of producing and discussing visual images or texts develops ethnographic knowledge and provides sociological insight into how people live. For this exercise we will use a visual ethnographic research method to learn about ourselves and others.

Instructions

You will use pictures from your living spaces to connect with others from around the world. Consider teaming up to support visually impaired learners. In your home or place you live, take a photo of the following items:

1. The street you live on
2. Your home
3. Front door of your home
4. Your family
5. The living room
6. The ceiling
7. Your sofa or seating
8. Lamps or lighting
9. The stove
10. The kitchen sink
11. Your cutlery drawer
12. Pantry or where you store food
13. The toilet
14. The shower or bathing area
15. Your toothbrush
16. Your bedroom
17. Your wardrobe
18. Your shoes
19. Children’s toys (if applicable)
20. Children’s playground (if applicable)
21. Your pets
22. Your car or method of transportation

Source

Kennedy, V. (2018). Beyond race: Cultural influences on human social life. West Hills College Lemoore.