More Subjects
Ethnographic Research Methods
[Name of the Writer]
[Name of the Institution]
Ethnographic Research Methods
Introduction
Ethnographic research extends to an exclusive diversity of methods which accumulate different aspects of traditions each ethnicity have. The persistent strategies that are followed by these people, the degree of dependence on the economy, religious practices, health issues, and education. These are all the main fundamental aspects of the ethnography which are heavily emphasized and discussed by the authors of the two readings. The research essay requires a comparison of the research methods used in the two studies by different authors. It also focuses on identifying the author's relationship with there readings and to what extent the research methods influence them. The use of all the researched information such as the methods, the place and time, the relationship of the anthropologists with the communities they worked in, are all exuberant material required to analyze the methodologies properly. Demonstrating an understanding of ethnographic research methods would properly enable a cultural contrast amongst the two studies.
Discussion
Research Methodology on The Ju/’hoansi
The methodologies identified in the first reading “The Dobe Ju/’hoansi” by Richard B. Lee ranges the selected ethnographic’s social and economic conditions. This small South African region where social change along with a degree of other factors needs much apprehension is an essential monograph of independence. There are challenges of poverty, loss of culture, exclusion, and availability of alcohol which influence the given circumstances. There are two external issues other then these and those are identified as the invasion of Hereros and the prospect of major mind development in Nyae Nyae. The methodologies designed for these specific problems would outline the subsistence strategies, the degree of dependence on cash, education, health issues, and religious practices. Due to this rapid social and economic change, the ethnic people of Ju/’hoansi would have to embrace modernity and reject the past to respond to these challenges. Thus the first methodology would explain the subsistence strategies on food, wildlife, and farming.
The anthropologists involved in this interview method were Laura Meschino and Rhea Wallington from the University of Toronto. Through the interview, the researchers found that the major source of food for the locals was wild food instead of the farm, store-bought, or government handout food. Another survey based on the degree of dependence on the cash economy listed that only a few families had wages and pension as there income sources with no regular cash flows or such. Most jobs were governmental or general stores. Moreover, craft production was another major source of income for women in particular. Then come the health issues and these were mainly HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria. This research done in Nyae Nyae found that the rate for HIV was 15.3 percent and the rate for TB was high among the Ju/’hoansi. Birthing practices were also encouraged in regional hospitals and clinics.
Although, most of these births took place in the Bush instead of a clinic or a hospital. The religious practices for the indigenous or missionaries were mainly defined as a healing dance in a circle. Moreover, the education levels for schooling in Nyae Nyae were very low for the older age group and high for the younger ones. The level of education with the waged labor seemed interesting as better education meaning better jobs. Furthermore, another questionnaire included asking them about there attitudes regarding their lives in the Bush. In the years 1968 till 1969, half agreed yes and half no, but in 2010, almost all agreed yes, and none agreed no. The reason to why they regard the bush so much is because the food is free and plentiful, there is peace and quiet, a part of their cultural tradition, no alcohol, and less stressful or boring.
Research Methodology on Immigrants in American Society
While comparing the aforementioned research analysis with the methodologies used in this research article, there are so many important aspects that can be identified. The author of this book Leo Chavez “Standard lives: Undocumented Immigrants in American Society” prefaces the ethnographical context which unveils the academic and personal interests of Mexican migration. The researcher involved in this ethnography and methodology is identified Mitch Ingram from the University of Texas who talks about the balance of expository data accompanied by a narrative. The Mexican ethnic minority describes there stories through reflecting upon the post problematic situations such as the separation, employment, family history, curiosity, and adventure. The symbolic and physical transition and incorporation of the Mexicans while crossing the borders came from influence in one way of life to another. The researcher discusses the fact in which many Mexicans die while crossing the borders and the stories are just piled up.
The process of assimilation into the United States and the degree of immigrants accepted or rejected from entry are just astonishing. The methodology used to assess this was only through a familiar educational context. The summary of the book focuses on the anthropological audience but talks more about the immigrant population and the offer which the author offers concerning them. There are multiple methodologies used in this paper to compare the lives of the Mexican citizens with the Ju/hoansi methodology, but they were similarly going through some awful situations which made them do illegal assimilation the U.S. It focuses more towards the breaking of social stigma and the surroundings. The book serves a rich context on social sciences and employes multiple methodologies. The methodologies consisted of observation examination, structured and unstructured interviews, social events, and data gathering. Moreover, the research focuses on the central immigration in America and the challenges they accompanied associated with the passage.
The research can be a useful guide for policy makers and future researchers. Only a few things were held meaningful in the U.S. such as the housing law, and funding. The author himself does his research on this book as an anthropologist as he affiliates himself with the Mexican citizens. He shares their sentiments through being aware of the present and past experiences and the anti-latino advocates which widen the historical lens of the country. What the research has to conclude is that even after most people come across the border into the U.S., they still live in fear and a shadow. The journey of these immigrants identifies and upward mobility. They live in poor conditions, face opposing attitudes, and barriers to education. This methodology and research can serve as an up and for the Mexicans to bring forward in the light. Thus the place and times identified and discussed are similarly proportionate.
Conclusion
The aforementioned research methodologies gathered from the provided readings discuss the different ethnographies and the problems they faced while living in their societies. The research methodologies analyze the social stigma and the societal pressures which two ethnicities go through while assessing from surveyor questionnaires. The results from the methodologies identify that most of these minorities or indigenous people go through life-prolonging harsh influences. Mostly related with either low standards of living and no significant source of income. Serious health concerns along with no primary place to live are the principal concern and a major analysis which is compared within the two contexts.
End Notes
Lee, Richard. The Dobe Ju/'hoansi. Nelson Education, 2012.
Chavez, Leo R. Shadowed lives: Undocumented immigrants in American society. Cengage Learning, 2012.
More Subjects
Join our mailing list
© All Rights Reserved 2024