GETTING THE STORY STRAIGHT: GROUNDED THEORY, HERMENEUTICS, AND THE PRACTICE OF FIELDWORK ON THE PLAINS OF SOUTH DAKOTA

Abstract

This article explores ways in grounded theory methodology of Anselm Strauss provided context for discovering relationship between aspects of Mead's theory of self in symbolic action and aspects of Heidegger's phenomenology of being and practice. Through grounded theory process of analyzing data gathered in a cross-cultural context, specific tensions between epistemology and ontology emerged that directed inquiry to centrality of as a means of understanding world of other. The findings of research point to ways in Heidegger's hermeneutics extends Mead's construct of self and as such enhances general understandings of symbolic interactionist theory of Chicago tradition. This work also illustrates methodological salience of integrating analytic ontology grounded theory analysis , particularly in context of postcolonial cross-cultural studies. Anselm Strauss' s work is situated within intersecting arenas of sociology, social psychology, symbolic interactionism, pragmatism, and humanism. These influences are apparent in his prolific substantive, methodological, and theoretic writings. His practice as a teacher-mentor was an ongoing study in dynamics of interaction a careful eye toward conceptualizing the conditions under which things happen and then with what consequences and for whom. Those consequences then became conditions for further investigation and inquiry and strategy for elaborating complexities of social world. The process led to further coding, integrative memos and theoretical sampling, more discussion and lengthy, productive analytic sessions. What was particularly helpful in analysis of my fieldwork data was focus on my role as fieldworker, particularly problematic nature of cross-cultural research, and variations in degrees to one can come to know other. These methodological and epistemologi* Direct all correspondence to: Katarin Jurich, Department of Human Development, California State University at Hayward, Hayward, CA 94570; e-mail : kjurich@csuhayward.edu. Sociological Perspectives, Volume 43, Number 4, pages S149-S162. Copyright © 2000 by Pacific Sociological Association. All rights reserved. Send requests for permission to reprint to: Rights and Permissions, University of California Press, Journals Division, 2000 Center St., Ste. 303, Berkeley, CA 94704-1223.