Chapter one of Emerson et al.
Chapter one of Emerson et al. discusses about fieldnotes in ethnographic research. The ethnographer is expected to interact with people in different social settings (Emerson et al. 1). Participation in activities is mandatory while observing the behaviors of subjects. The ethnographer is also required to note what he or she learns while observing and participating in the activities. Immersion allows the field worker to manifest sensitivity while interacting with the subjects (Emerson et al. 2). However, the field researcher must avoid dictating the patterns of behavior displayed by subjects. Researchers are obligated to write detailed and objective fieldnotes. Nevertheless, it is possible to have different viewpoints of similar situations due to diversified interpretation and perception (Emerson et al. 5). Researchers will usually classify fieldnotes as significant or insignificant based on their investigative concerns. Special attention should be given to the concerns and indigenous implications of the subjects.
Geertz describes the experiences of anthropologists
Geertz describes the experiences of anthropologists while observing a cockfight in Bali. The subjects ignored the researchers and conducted their affairs normally. The Balinese community held a cockfight in the public square to raise funds for building a local school. However, the event was interrupted by police officers as everyone scampered for safety. The Balinese teased the anthropologists concerning their manner of running and facial expressions (Geertz 416). Such occasions proved that the subjects had accepted the professors into their community.
The two texts provide valuable insight
The two texts provide valuable insight into the science of taking fieldnotes. Emerson et al. provides a theoretical outlook into the practice of writing fieldnotes while observing and participating in ongoing activities. On the other hand, Geertz outlines how anthropologists immersed themselves in Balinese culture to observe a cockfight. The researchers were also forced to run with the locals when police officers infiltrated the cockfight.
Works Cited
Emerson, Robert M., Rachel I. Fretz, and Linda L. Shaw. Writing ethnographic fieldnotes. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2011.
Geertz, Clifford. The interpretation of cultures. Vol. 5043. New York: Basic books, 1973.
