Ethnomethodology from/as/to Business

Abstract

In this posthumously published article, Melvin Pollner reflects on the origins and development of ethnomethodology, especially the version associated with Harold Garfinkel. It explores both literal and figurative connections between Garfinkel’s ethnomethodology and the world and practices of “business.” The article suggests a variety of ways in which notions and metaphors born of business are incorporated into Garfinkel’s program, including, most prominently, the concepts of accounts and accountability. Robert M. Emerson and James A. Holstein assembled and edited the final text.