A participant observation methodology to analyse social functions, gender, class, and gastronomic practices in food-centric organizations: From the Gastronomic Societies in San Sebastián to the world

Abstract

Departing from the Gastronomic Societies in San Sebastián, Spain, we propose a scientific, scalable, method for participant observation in civic and cultural arenas where gastronomy is the key connector between members (such as gastronomic confraternities, diaspora organizations, “casas regionales”, “peñas”, among others). This model combines a structured combination of qualitative methods like ethnography, that comprises interviews and a field diary, netnography, focus group(s), questionary(ies) and bibliographic review with archives searching. An adjustable framework on the objectives, research question and hypothesis are also presented. Besides, the model also comprises recommendations regarding the research steps (“working packages”), a risk management plan, the selection of a facilitator, the way to create trust and address serendipity, as well as it draws recommendations on research validation of tools by experts, followed by pilot testing guidelines.