Handbook of Ethnography
- Paul Atkinson - Cardiff University, UK
- Sara Delamont - Cardiff University, UK
- Amanda Coffey - University of Cardiff, UK
- John Lofland - University of California, Davis, USA
- Lyn Lofland - University of California, Davis, USA
Ethnography | Research Methods & Evaluation (General) | Sociological Research Methods
- Journal of Contemporary Ethnography
"No self-respecting qualitative researcher should be without Paul Atkinson's handbook on ethnography. This really is encyclopaedic in concept and scope. Many "big names" in the field have contributed so this has to be the starting point for anyone looking to understand the field in substantive topic, theoretical tradition and methodology."
- SRA News
Ethnography is one of the chief research methods in sociology, anthropology and other cognate disciplines in the social sciences. This Handbook provides an unparalleled, critical guide to its principles and practice.
The volume is organized into three sections. The first systematically locates ethnography firmly in its relevant historical and intellectual contexts. The roots of ethnography are pinpointed and the pattern of its development is demonstrated.
The second section examines the contribution of ethnography to major fields of substantive research. The impact and strengths and weaknesses of ethnographic method are dealt with authoritatively and accessibly.
The third section moves on to examine key debates and issues in ethnography, from the conduct of research through to contemporary arguments.
The result is a landmark work in the field, which draws on the expertise of an internationally renowned group of interdisicplinary scholars. The Handbook of Ethnography provides readers with a one-stop critical guide to the past, present and future of ethnography. It will quickly establish itself as the ethnographer's bible.
A good collection of readings from key practitioners in their filds. As it has quite disparate chapters on specific topics it is well suited for use of specific chapters in specific areas and a great resource. It introduces breadth but is not an applied book, rather an excellent resource and reference with some classic chapters for specific applications.
This book provides excellent background to an ethnography course,
This handbook is an excellent addition to students working at M Level on school based ethnographic type research projects. The areas in particular that could be related to education were most useful, such as the chapters on ethnographic research in educational settings, ethics, phenomenology, making field notes and narrative. It is also useful for students to see how wide the range of methodological approaches that can be adopted within an ethnographic study. A great reference point for post-graduate students looking to carry out field work in schools.
A good recommendation for students novice to ethnography. Clearly presented and well structured
Comprehensive and an excellent source for final year undergraduate and postgraduate students
This is still THE must read book on ethnography, outlining the principles of this research approach like no other!
This is an excellent book for the student and practitioner to dip into for specialist comment and opinion. It is a comprehensive reference. If there was one minor deficiency it is that the text is somewhat overly dense making it difficult to read, particularly on the move. Some students that I passed it to for comment suggested that the lack of illustrations and colour were off putting. They pointed to Social Research Methods, Bryman,2010, OUP as an easier format. However it is a serious text and is recommended as a reference that should always be in reach
This is a very welcome book as its content and style offer support for the individual to refelctivley engage in the reflective use of an ethnography.
Ethnography is becomming a popluar research activity for Busniess managment students. This text is really useful for students who are also employed by the organisations under investigation. There is an excellent blend of theory and practical application, allowing students to fully partcipate in the research process.
Atkinson has a gift of artculating a difficult concept with ease.
This is a very detailed and excellent resource for anyone thinking of working in an ethnographic way. The referencing is extensive with clearly divided chapters on all aspects of ethnography. The content is of interest from a historical, methodological and practical perspective and approaches the topic in a broad and open way: a textbook that should be available in every library.
