Radical Reciprocity: The Work and Research Methods of Elaine J. Lawless

Abstract

This article explores the impact of reciprocal ethnography on research participants based on the published works of Elaine J. Lawless. The methodological impact of reciprocal ethnography is under analyzed throughout Lawless's books and articles, even though there are glimpses into how the research participants are affected within each project. Initially, reciprocal ethnography offered an approach that might shape a parallel relationship between the researcher and her research participants, creating insights and ideas that resulted because of reciprocity and dialogue. Later, it evolved into a process with the potential for shared power in the construction of meaning, the possible creation of some social awareness for individual research participants, as well as change in a larger sense. Ultimately, reciprocal ethnography is a methodology that structures opportunities for participants to engage in dialogue with other research participants and with the researcher—and to engage in (self) analysis—that can yield new insights, revised beliefs, and changed relationships, all methodological outcomes worth recognizing and analyzing more extensively.