Ethnography & Spatial Analysis Purpose and Motivating Questions

Ethnography  “ Ethnography (from Greek ἔ θνος ethnos = folk/people and γράφω, grapho = to write) is a qualitative research design aimed at exploring cultural phenomena. The resulting field study or a case report reflects the knowledge and the system of meanings in the lives of a cultural group. An ethnography is a means to represent graphically and in writing, the nature of a people.” –from good ol’ Wikipedia

Method  First and foremost, you have to experience, hangout, be amongst the people you are studying. There is no substitute for this.  Listen closely, have conversations, take notes, and keep key questions in mind  What unites these people as a group or community?  What are their customs and ways of being?  How does context (historical, social, cultural, and spatial) affect their group?  What can I learn from them?

Your Role  You are an ACTIVE participant (not true in some genres of ethnography.  You should not attempt to change the group. If you have judgments, keep them to yourselves. Do not try to change anyone’s mind or behavior.  You are there to learn, participate, and see things as they are.

The visit(s)  Secure permission to be there (if necessary)  Let the people know what you’re doing  Go in an analytical mindset (you’re not just hanging out)  Take notes  Be respectful (duh)

The purposes(s)  Reveal something about the group/culture/space  Reveal something about yourself  This means that before you go, you should take some time honestly reflecting upon your preconceived notions, expectations, and stereotypes  The final report should reflect an intersection of these two purposes

The #1 Mistake  Any observation you make or state in your paper, must be rhetorically analyzed for its purpose, effect, and/or implications  A paper that just lists what you saw, what you did, or what others did, is not a good paper. “Suspended from the ceiling were giant cages that people were dancing in.” -- And that was the last thing she said about it!!!

Language  What kinds of language is used (formal, informal, technical, inside references, etc.)  Who talks? Who talks to who? Are there rules (set or informal) about who can talk to who, when, and how?  If people don’t talk there- why? What is the nature/purpose/effect of the silence?  As an “outsider” how did this effect how you talked or were responded to?

Activity  Why and how do people participate in activities in this place?  Is there a hierarchy or chain-of-command in activity? Can everyone participate (and in the same way)?  Is the activity symbolic of other things (are there symbolic objects involved)  To what extent did you participate in the common activity(s)?

Historical Contexts  Is there a larger historical context to the place? How does that history affect what goes on there?  Are the people there connected by history in some way? How does this play out in their language and interactions?  Is there history you need to know to fully appreciate or participate in the place? How did it feel not to have it.

Spatial analysis  Successful spatial analysis begins with this benefit-of- the-doubt (and often skeptical) assumption.  Space, like good writing, is not designed by accident. The designers usually want to encourage (or discourage) certain types of activities and behaviors  Ask yourself: In what ways is this space encouraging me to act, behave, and be?

Factors  Walls, partitions, & paths (access)  Bookstore  Color choices, lighting, aesthetics  Restaurant/Bar  Placement of and inclusion of objects  Bathroom  Creation of focal points  Classroom/Supermarket

Factors  Scale  How does the size of your body in relation to the room feel?  Elevators  Ambience/sound  Affects of noise or silence  Climate  Theaters  Materials