An Epistemic Window Into (Inter) Subjectivity: The Potential of the Ethnographic Method

Authors

  • Laura Beatriz Montes de Oca Barrera Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-17.1.2227

Keywords:

ethnography, method, subjectivity, intersubjectivity, flexibility, reflection

Abstract

In this article, I illustrate the methodological potential of using the ethnographic method in exploring subjectivity and intersubjectivity. I discuss the ontological and epistemological foundations of a qualitative procedure based in ethnographic situations (interaction with informants and shared construction of data) that have spread beyond disciplinary boundaries. I emphasize   two characteristics of the method: the flexibility in the context of investigation, and the establishment of an inter-subjective ethnographic situation that allows the construction of data, which, capturing the emic perspective enriches, the interpretation of the researcher, etic perspective. Finally, considering this ethnographic situation it is proposed as a reflective tool that allows researchers to control their own subjectivity in order to reach the subjectivity of others.

URN: http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs160183

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Author Biography

Laura Beatriz Montes de Oca Barrera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Laura MONTES DE OCA BARRERA es investigadora asociada en el Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Sus líneas de investigación son: gobernanza y toma de decisión pública; metodología de la investigación cualitativa; y acción colectiva. Es docente del laboratorio en etnografía del programa de posgrado de la Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales de la UNAM.

Published

2016-01-11

How to Cite

Montes de Oca Barrera, L. B. (2016). An Epistemic Window Into (Inter) Subjectivity: The Potential of the Ethnographic Method. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-17.1.2227

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Section

Single Contributions