Give me a few advise on reading an "ethnography" and how to interpret it in the author's point of view.

Question

I'm reading the politics of race and the encroaching tourism industry in the dominican republic. Its a book by Steven Gregory called "devil behind the mirror" and I just find it hard to read because the discription is thick. Give me tips on how to read it and interpret it and understand it more.

Answer 1

myself

Answer 2

'Thick Description' was advanced by anthropologist Clifford Geertz who argued that before we can begin to understand another culture we must first fully describe it.  In order to interpret this type of work you can read other ethnographer's works on the same subject.  As ethnography is necessarily a snapshot of a particular culture at a particular point it is irrepeatable and therefore other writers may have a different experience.  Additionally, contrary to brooke710's response (that anthropologists are supposed to be neutral reporters) anthropologists are taught to recognize and report on their own bias.  Neutrality is never possible - our impressions are always colored by our own position (culture, religion, personal experience, etc.)  A good ethnographer will make his or her potential bias known.  You should also look for book reviews or responses to Gregory's work by academics.  These can point you to possible contradictions.  Additionally, try to pinpoint his theoretical point of view outside of the ethnography itself.  Does he make statements about the nature of society/man/race, etc that expand our understanding of these areas cross-culturally?  For background theoretically I highly suggest Alan Barnard's 'History and Theory in Social Anthropology'.  For background into ethnography itself 'Writing Cultures' is quite good.

Sorry to be long winded but hope this helps.

Answer 3

I have had to read a few ethnographies  and my favorite is Mama Lola.  I am sorry, but I cannot help you interpret the author's point of view because I have not read the book you are reading but I would look for opposing views or other anthropologists/researchers that support his view to determine the author's position on the subject.  Also, I would possibly look at what the chapter titles are or any of the subheadings in each chapter are to get an idea or the introduction and conclusion.  Supposedly, anthropologists are to remain neutral and just report on their subject.  Sorry that I could not be more helpful.