Explain the term critical ethnography, and how it overlaps with, yet diverges from, conventional ethnography

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Critical ethnography is an orientation where the researcher has a concern about social inequalities and directs his or her efforts toward positive change. Theory, in this model, should not only document social problems, but advocate for positive social change. The major element is a value-laden approach that seeks to empower participants by challenging the status quo and addressing various concerns about power and control structures. This strategy overlaps with conventional ethnography in that both rely on qualitative data gathered through interviews, focus groups, observations, etc., and interpreting these data. Both believe the symbolic interactionist paradigm and hope to move toward development of grounded theory. However, the two strategies have differences. Conventional ethnography refers to the tradition of cultural descriptions and the analysis of various meanings or shared meanings through the interpretation of meaning. Critical ethnography refers to a reflective approach through which the researcher chooses between alternatives and makes value-laden judgments of meanings and methods in order to challenge research, or policy. Conventional ethnography documents what is, while critical ethnography sees to understand what could be. It has a driven purpose to intentionally seek positive change and empowerment for participants.