Reading Response 13

In Chapters Four through Six of Critical Ethnography, the author discusses the ethics behind ethnography. I chose to write about Joan, since I wrote about her for my first reading responses.

After completing her fieldwork, Joan returns to the United States to begin writing her dissertation, an ethnographic study of a group of indigenous people in West Africa. As she begins the writing process, Joan feels guilty that she will be profiting from the horrific experiences the consltants have endured. She realizes that her words could be used to perpetuate negative stereotypes and that she is, in a way, exploiting the people she studied. Joan's professor suggests seven different methods for ensuring her population is represented without judgement and in a way that supports their cause instead of hurting it.

Joan began her study by becoming aware of a cause and becoming an advocate for that cause. She worked with her consultants to ensure a deep understanding of the cause. She made sure to offer suggestions "within the realm of dialogical performance" and not as ordered directions (pg. 152). Joan also stayed mindful of anonymity and confidentiality, ensuring that her subjects were sheilded from exposure. She coded names, places, and events so the public would not be able to identify individuals. Joan also researched the history behind the group she was studying, making sure to validate the cultural experiences instead of criticizing the people. She was a self-reflective practitioner, and spent time daily reflecting on her own biases and opinions. She stayed transparent regarding her own position as an advocate.

Joan took several precautionary measures to ensure the safety of her consultants; she avoided explicitly exploiting the West African group by following a prescribed set of methods to maintain ethical relations.