Ethnographic Research: Background Presented by Bob Munson Bukal Life Care & Counseling Center

Ethnographic Research is a Form of Qualitative Research. Biographical Research Phenomenological Research Grounded Theory Study Case Study Ethnographic Research

Ethnography vs Ethnology Ethnology is comparative. Compares/ contrasts two or more cultures. Ethnography is descriptive. Describing one culture.

Our Three Human Quality Sets “That which is like no other”…. Our Individuality. “That which is like all others”… Our Humanity. “That which is like some others”… Our Cultural Identity.

Our 3 Sets of Qualities

Monocultural Viewpoint

Ethnocentrism Presumption that our culture is right … or at least more right … than other cultures. Other cultures may be “ silly, ” “ irrelevant, ” or even “ evil. ” “ Reverse Ethnocentrism ” is also possible. <However, no culture is perfectly good or perfectly bad. All have the possibility of being “ redeemed ” while still being unique. ”

Stereotyping

Stereotyping assumes that all members of a group think and behave in predictable ways based on a (questionable) set of group characteristics

Define Culture: “ … Knowledge that is learned and shared and that people use to generate behavior and interpret experience ” (McCurdy)

Culture, Sub-Culture, Microculture Culture. Big-picture, All-day Sub-culture. Little-picture, All-day Microculture. Part of the day.

The Fish and the Duck Who KNOWS water better? Who UNDERSTANDS water better? “emic” versus “etic” perspectives

Multiple Perspectives Can Lead to Greater Knowledge and Understanding

Levels of Cultural Awareness

Key Point… It is doubtful that one can impact members of a cultural group without at least a Level 3 cultural awareness. Ethnographic Research is an important part of attaining that level.

Key Thought: If we do not learn to understand (at least cognitively) another ’ s culture, we will: not appreciate them or respect them. not know how to communicate effectively with them. If this is the case, how will we share God ’ s word with them?

Key Point. Christians tend to emphasize the differences between Christianity and other Worldviews. However, for effective communication, we need to find commonality.

Ethnography #1 Target Group: High School Youth living in Baguio City. (sub-culture) Basic Problem: What is the attitude of target group regarding horror movies and the popular supernatural. Ultimately Goal: Understand group better so that we can reach them effectively with spiritual transformation.

Findings Fascination with horror movies and with popular supernatural concepts. Written responses differed from spoken interviews with spoken showing greater belief. Wide range of beliefs… but few at the extremes.

Application Disagreement. -View #1. Fight the youths’ attitudes. It is a trap of Satan. -View #2. Utilize the youths’ fascination. It is an open door. (Epeminides)

Ethnography #2 Target Group: Pinsao Pilot Jeepney Drivers. (microculture) Problem: Attitude regarding sacrifice Goal: Improve spiritual dialogue between seminary and drivers.

Findings -Many fairly religious, but don ’ t have chance to go to church much because of their job. -Things have become far more difficult for them with the increase in fuel prices. -Have strong sense of community : working together for each other ’ s good. -Think PBTS is a bad neighbour. -Lack of patronage. -Lack of hospitality. -Lack of respect.

Application Student Council set up Jeepney appreciation days. Seminary intentionally sought to develop patronage with group.

Is Doing Research “Biblical”? 1.Jesus. Luke 10 2.Paul (Athens) 3.Nehemiah 4.Canaan Spies

Ethnographic Research: Background Presented by Bob Munson Bukal Life Care & Counseling Center