Sociology 2206A/B Lecture Notes - Ethnography, Participant Observation, Public Space
13 Mar 2014
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Establishing social relations: level of involvement: (1) complete observer- sit back and engage in field research only. Participants less trusting (2) semi- participant- maybe get involved in some activities, not a full member (3) complete participant- fully participate in activities, 100% member. Establish more trust, members may be more open. People might approach you and want to participate in your study: disadvantages: People might want to drive you off because hey have something to hide ( narc" situation- may think you are undercover, want to arrest them) People might think you"re someone or something else (ex: standing on the corner of tenderloin- may think you are a prostitute) You get to see behavior that might otherwise be hidden to you as a researcher ( security guards hassling homeless people)": disadvantages: There are ethical issues around its use, is it fair to observe someone without their knowledge? (public space vs. private space)
