Ethnographic Methods Research Articles

State Categories and Their Afterlives: The Politics of “Tribalisation” in Eastern India

This article examines the afterlives of state classificatory categories in everyday engagements between state and society. It examines how a community of cultivators in eastern and central India, the Kudmi-Mahatos, have reshaped their group identity through categories of the state. They have oscillated between not wanting to be labelled as “tribal” by the colonial state to seeking to be recognised as “Scheduled Tribes” by the post-colonial state. Using ethnographic and historical methods, this article investigates the shifting claims of the Kudmi-Mahatos with respect to “tribal” status. It argues: (i) that communities use state categories of classification to remake their identities vis-à-vis both the state and other communities they live with; and (ii) tribalisation as a strategy of claiming recognition reworks the tribe-caste continuum in India. The article builds on historical and anthropological scholarship that looks at political contestations over classification in modern states.

Sundanese Ethnic Mentifact Culture Silih Asih, Silih Asuh, Silih Asah in the Context of Ethnopedagogy

Sundanese culture has various values and norms that are upheld by its people. One of the important concepts in Sundanese culture is silih asih, silih asuh, silih asah, which describes harmonious social relationships and mutual assistance between people. In the context of ethnopedagogy, the concept can play an important role in local wisdom-based education. This study aims to explore the Sundanese ethnic mentifact culture of silih asih, silih asuh, silih asah in the context of ethnopedagogy and to find out the implementation of silih asih, silih asuh, silih asah in elementary schools. This research focuses on how the concept of silih asih, silih asuh, silih asah can enrich and strengthen educational practices in Sundanese society. This research method uses a qualitative method of ethnography. The data collection techniques used are observation, interviews and documentation studies. The data analysis technique used is descriptive interpretative. The results showed that silih asih, silih asuh, silih asah, are still relevant and applied in the daily lives of Sundanese people. These values not only strengthen social ties but also have the potential to be applied in the world of education. In addition, it can help shape and improve the character of students who have empathy, tolerance, responsibility and enthusiasm for learning. In the context of ethnopedagogy, the values of silih asih, silih asuh, silih asah can be integrated into learning to create a more meaningful and local wisdom-based learning environment. The implementation of these values can help maintain and preserve Sundanese culture and improve the quality of learning.

Reflections on the production of space and justice: A study of everyday life of the SuoJincun's guerrilla gardeners

As a country that legally guarantees equal access to public space for all residents, China still faces the challenge of abstract public power impeding socio-spatial production and the realization of spatial justice. The article focuses on two case studies of community guerrilla gardening in Nanjing. It employs ethnographic research methods to analyze the green grassroots actions carried out by residents in the community and to demonstrate the differentiated representational spatial production of the residents. The results show that: gardening has an irreplaceable social acquisition value as the production of real matter, is a material carrier and bond of place attachment, and a means of shaping cultural identity. It contains the potential for creative gardening methods and is an important node of access to nature and culture for groups with limited mobility. Guerrilla gardening recycling of collective space by residents in the form of private appropriation. The discussion session analyzes the positive side of the phenomenon of resident's privatization of common public space from the perspectives of social change, the value of use of public space, and spatial justice. The concludes by moving away from the discussion of public and private space toward an everyday, use-value-driven, locally creative initiative for a new aesthetics of collective space.

Conceptualizing Community Engagement for Mental and Brain Health Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Case of Kilifi County, Kenya.

Community engagement (CE) has increasingly been recognized as a critical element for successful health promotion and intervention programs. However, the term CE has been used to mean different things in different settings. In this article, we explore how CE has been conceptualized in the field of mental and brain health in Kilifi County, Kenya. We used ethnographic methods encompassing focused group discussions, key informant interviews, and observations with 65 participants, purposively recruited from Kilifi County. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Our findings show that community members and stakeholders had diverse perceptions of and experiences with CE. Factors such as trust between researchers and community members, sensitization, and awareness creation were key for acceptance of research projects. Partial involvement in research, lack of access to information, poverty and socio-economic challenges, and financial expectations from researchers hindered CE and led to resistance to participation in research projects. For effective CE, there is a need to work closely with community gatekeepers, create awareness of the research projects, use local languages, and ensure continuous engagement that promotes equitable research participation. Our findings suggest that tacit knowledge, context, and mechanisms for research are all critical features of CE and should be considered to enhance acceptance and sustainability of mental and brain health interventions in Kenya.

“Holy Water”: The Ritual Praxis of Aladura Churches and Its Economic Implications in South West, Nigeria

Water is a vital natural resource for every living organism. Water is used for various anthropogenic purposes as drinking, washing, and cooking. In African and non-African religions, water is important for religious practices such as baptism, ablution, cleansing, healing, and worship of gods, to mention but a few. Aladura Churches in Nigeria also use water as one of the natural resources, to facilitate the completion of their rituals. Previous academic works show that the use of water in Aladura Churches is laden with symbolic use and these previous works are noticeable on the spiritual dimensions but neglect its economic implications. This study also argues that water is not only anthropogenic but has elements of sacralization in the ritual and idiosyncrasies of Aladura Churches. The data were gathered through ethnographical methods, interviews, and observation.

Shifting Grounds-Facilitating Self-Care in Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections Through the Use of Self-Test Technology: Qualitative Study.

Chlamydia remains prevalent worldwide and is considered a global public health problem. However, testing rates among young sexually active people remain low. Effective clinical management relies on screening asymptomatic patients. However, attending face-to-face consultations of testing for sexually transmitted infections is associated with stigmatization and anxiety. Self-testing technology (STT) allows patients to test themselves for chlamydia and gonorrhea without the presence of health care professionals. This may result in wider access to testing and increase testing uptake. Therefore, the sexual health clinic at Odense University Hospital has designed and developed a technology that allows patients to get tested at the clinic through self-collected sampling without a face-to-face consultation. This study aimed to (1) pilot-test STT used in clinical practice and (2) investigate the experiences of patients who have completed a self-test for chlamydia and gonorrhea. The study was conducted as a qualitative study inspired by the methodology of participatory design. Ethnographic methods were applied in the feasibility study and the data analyzed were inspired by the action research spiral in iterative processes using steps, such as plan, act, observe, and reflect. The qualitative evaluation study used semistructured interviews and data were analyzed using a qualitative 3-level analytical model. The findings from the feasibility study, such as lack of signposting and adequate information, led to the final modifications of the self-test technology and made it possible to implement it in clinical practice. The qualitative evaluation study found that self-testing was seen as more appealing than testing at a face-to-face consultation because it was an easy solution that both saved time and allowed for the freedom to plan the visit independently. Security was experienced when the instructions balanced between being detail-oriented while also being simple and illustrative. The anonymity and discretion contributed to preserving privacy and removed the fear of an awkward conversation or being judged by health care professionals thus leading to the reduction of intrusive feelings. Accessible health care services are crucial in preventing and reducing the impact of sexually transmitted infections and STT may have the potential to increase testing uptake as it takes into account some of the barriers that exist. The pilot test and evaluation have resulted in a fully functioning implementation of STT in clinical practice.

Applying the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework to Examine the Efficacy of Community-Based Tourism at Equitably Promoting Local Livelihood Opportunities

ABSTRACT Community-based tourism (CBT) projects often fail to enhance rural livelihoods because of poor fit with the local livelihood context and inequitable participation opportunities. Through a mixed-methods study on a CBT initiative in Carmelita, Guatemala, this research applied the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) to understand how tourism contributes to local livelihoods and residents’ perceived barriers for participation. The authors applied ethnographic research methods (observation and semi-structured interviews with 43 Carmelita residents and 10 key informants) and analyzed wages and job distribution from tourism employment records. CBT supported a high, albeit gendered, distribution of tourism jobs across the community. Tourism was a fundamental, but not stand-alone, livelihood activity. Residents perceived few barriers to participate in tourism, but increasing formalization changed how they worked with tourists. Understanding tourism development within the local livelihood context and how CBT initiatives distribute tourism job opportunities is critical to meaningfully generate equitable income-earning opportunities within communities.

Interactions with new-to-teacher language resources: Supporting translingual composing in a multilingual elementary classroom

Educators should support multilingual students’ translingual writing. However, it can be challenging for teachers to support students’ composing in languages that teachers do not speak. Drawing on a community translanguaging lens, this paper explores this issue by asking: How did teachers talk about and interact with language resources that were new to them while supporting translingual writing in an English-medium classroom? Data were collected using ethnographic and practitioner research methods across 1 year in one second-grade writing workshop in the U.S. Students spoke Spanish, Korean, French, Tagalog, or English, and classroom teachers spoke English and Spanish. Data analysis first involved descriptive coding of videorecorded composing interactions to identify every teacher interaction involving a new-to-them named language. These events were then re-examined using constant comparative coding to identify interactional patterns. This yielded three main findings; teachers: (1) positioned students as language experts and themselves as language learners, (2) drew on shared language resources to support student writing in new-to-teacher languages, and (3) expanded audiences to support student writing in new-to-teacher languages. Implications include pedagogical steps teachers can take to support students’ use of new-to-teacher languages while writing, and ideological and social implications of teacher talk about those languages.

Interpreting parliaments, but how?: Centring parliamentary actors and settings in ethnographic design and practice

Do researchers that use ethnographic methods study parliaments and parliamentary actors in the same way? While parliamentary ethnography is a growing research methodology to study political phenomena, such as informality, political behaviour and interpretations of parliamentary work, less is said about how access to sites and actors may affect analytical foci, strategies and outcomes. This neglects the complexity of parliamentary organisation and distinctive practices of parliamentary actors. We draw attention to this complexity to investigate how different levels and types of access to parliaments, and actors therein, affect ethnographic research. We reflect on this issue through four themes: (1) entry and access, (2) adapting to organisational rhythms, (3) ethnographic capital of researchers and (4) analysis and publication of findings. We argue that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way of undertaking ethnographies of parliaments, but emphasise that researchers must explicitly reflect on how their particular strategies may shape ethnographic research on parliaments.

A Connective Tissue: University Supervisors/Coaches within a Teacher Residency

ABSTRACT This critical ethnographic project explores the role of university supervisors and coaches (USCs) working with pre-service educators within a teacher residency in a Southeastern U.S. city. The project explores the research questions: how do university supervisors and coaches within a teacher residency support pre-service teachers in navigating the university, district/placement school, and classroom? Similarly, how did a USC sense-making space help USCs in thinking through how to support their pre-service educators? Critical ethnographic methods including participant observations, interviews, and document analysis were utilized. The USC sense-making space operated as a third-space where the USCs worked together in ways that went beyond the either-or (university or school knowledge) to draw direct connections between theory and practice, and the different institutions. The pre-service educators noted how the professional development sessions, one-on-one coaching, personal and professional de-briefs, and more general support aided in navigating the first year of residency programming. Similarly, monthly professional development sessions supported pre-service educators in connecting theory to practice. However, working within/across institutions came with complexities as there were issues with navigating power relations across the various relationships. The USCs operated as a connective tissue for pre-service educators maneuvering the multiple intersecting institutions.

Indigenous Knowledge Systems of Solid Waste Management in Bushbuckridge Rural Communities, South Africa

Indigenous knowledge systems related to solid waste management in economically marginalized communities have been largely overlooked in the scientific literature, even though the indigenous communities of developing nations struggling to manage solid waste rely on these practices. It is startling that indigenous solid waste management practices are scarcely documented in the scientific literature despite their position as potential alternative disposal methods. This gap persists amid limited municipal budgets, inadequate waste collection services, and poor infrastructure in economically marginalized indigenous rural communities in developing nations. Subsequently, in the discipline of solid waste management, this obstacle impedes the recognition and inclusion of indigenous waste management practices into integrated waste management plans. As a result, this causes a delay in their progress or elevation to the same level of credibility as mainstream scientific knowledge. In the process, this relegates the waste management practices of indigenous communities to the background. Against this background, the current study sought to investigate the indigenous solid waste management practices of rural communities in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. As such, ten cases that captured the spatial cultural diversity of indigenous communities’ practices across Bushbuckridge Local Municipality (BLM) were selected for sampling. Data were collected using ethnographic research methods. Data analysis was carried out using the thematic analysis approach. Inductive logic was used in the interpretation of the current study results. The results of the current study indicate that indigenous communities of Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, in the absence of formal waste management services from the local authority, resort to an indigenous knowledge system to manage solid waste. Waste burning (100%), open-air dumping (100%), and backyard pits (90%) are some of the indigenous waste management practices espoused by the rural communities of BLM. The similarity in practices was corroborated by statistical inferences that revealed that between BLM communities, the amount of indigenous waste management practices is not significant (p > 0.05). However, there are concerns that despite the sustainability aspect associated with recycling (<25%) practices, these disposal methods are not common in the rural communities of BLM. This is a setback for an indigenous knowledge system that is supposed to advance environmental sustainability practices.

Lexicographical Study on the Verbal Aspect of the Matigsalug Language

It cannot be denied that the Philippines is rich in language and culture. One of them is the Matigsalug language. This study focuses on the lexicography of the Matigsalug language focusing on the verb aspect. The main participants of this study are five selected Matigsalug who have skills and sufficient knowledge in speaking and writing the Filipino and Matigsalug languages. The instrument used in the research done is the translation of the list or table of words written in the Filipino language that are in the verb aspect. In this study, the researcher used a qualitative design and the ethnographic method of study that represents a broad research method and design to develop a dictionary. For a more extensive and meaningful interpretation and study of the data, the researcher used Descriptive Linguistics Analysis or descriptive language analysis. Based on the results of the study, it was proven that many verbs are used by the Matigsalug. There are additions to the perfective, imperfective and contemplative aspects, exchange of graphemes, use of hyphens, and writing and pronunciation methods in the Matigsalug lexicography. The implication of this study will help develop teachers’ understanding and guidance to Matigsalug students.

Creativity, Practical Ability, Self‐Identity: Public Art Practice with Primary School Students in China

AbstractPublic art is increasingly recognised for its pedagogical value, especially in higher education, where it enhances institutions’ educational outcomes and expands students’ learning experiences. However, its potential in basic education remains under‐exploited. This study aims to bridge the gap by investigating how public art is effectively integrated into school curriculums and the educational benefits it offers students in their learning journey. Researchers, therefore, designed a student‐centred public art intervention project, Dreams and Hopes, at a Chinese nonprofit primary school incorporating the school's educational goals. The project recruited 5th and 6th graders to create a giant mosaic mural for the campus’ public space during the school's club and regular curriculum. To determine the educational benefits of the public art practice, researchers collected qualitative data using ethnographic methods in the project. The results showed that students at different stages (design, making, exhibition) gained competencies in three key themes: creativity (divergence, convergence, expression), practical ability (operation, innovation, collaboration), and self‐identity (satisfaction, achievement, confidence). These competencies align with the school's educational goals and enhance students’ learning experience. Problem‐based guidance, a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, effective communication and a connection to reality are essential to these critical competencies. The study reveals that public art may support educational goals and benefit students. It also enhances the practical experience of public art in basic education and provides a model of intervention to educators. The study recommends that schools actively collaborate with external resources, emphasise the art practice's educational value, and provide platforms for student arts participation.

A Review of Genetic Diversity Based on the Y Chromosome in the Romanian Population.

Y chromosome analysis is used in a number of practical applications, including investigations of criminal cases, establishment of paternity, searching for missing persons, studies on human migration, evolutionary research, and historical and genealogical investigations. Questions about the origin of individual ethnic groups are addressed not only through archaeological, linguistic, and ethnographic methods but also through molecular genetics methods. The study of genetic diversity in Romania is particularly interesting from several perspectives because Romania, located in Southeast Europe, is distinguished by the fact that the Carpathians and the Danube served as natural barriers against the migrations of peoples for centuries, thus influencing the genetic mixture of the population. This is relevant for understanding the history and formation of ethnic groups in the region. In addition, many ethnic minorities live in Romania, which adds an additional dimension of genetic and cultural diversity. This article aims to provide an updated picture of the genetic diversity in Romania and to highlight the significant studies carried out among the Romanian population. By analyzing the articles published in the Web of Science, Scopus, or PubMed databases, which explore genetic diversity using the Y chromosome, the aim is to better understand the current genetic panorama in Romania.

Subaltern Geopolitics of Closed Borders: Russophone Minorities in Estonia and Finland

The article discusses how geopolitical discourses and related performative practices of bordersensitive groups in countries neighbouring Russia are transformed by the war in Ukraine. Based mainly on the mixture of ethnographic methods (semi-structured interviews and unprovoked talk), the article is built around the study of vernacular geopolitics of Russian speakers living in the city of Narva, Estonia, and Finland. It suggests that the geopolitical narrative of these ethnolinguistic groups is changing from subaltern, neither dominant nor resistant geopolitical imagination, to oppositional geopolitics. This transformation takes place through public expression in the form of creative performances (Estonia) or online and offline protests (Finland). In this way, Russian speakers seek to acquire a political agency, local (in the case of Estonia) or national (in the case of Finland).

Caregivers and Babies in Interaction: A Study of Two Families in Wonosobo, Central Java

PParentese in each community has its own characteristics. This study aims to describe the interaction between caregivers and infants with a case study in two Javanese families living in the Wonosobo urban area (mother, babysitter, grandmother, and baby aged 0;4 [K1] and 1;6 [K2]), Central Java. This research used the ethnographic method through observation involving both families. The results showed that knowledge of the competence and cognition ability of the baby became the background for caregivers to adjust themselves so as to create an asymmetrical position. This places the caregiver as the party who "dominates" the interaction. In interaction, elements of caregiver contribution can be done by providing verbal stimuli to the baby, giving verbal responses to the baby's behavior, imitating the baby's behavior, shedding, role-playing as a baby, and inviting the baby to do simple games. Meanwhile, babies contribute to vocalizations and kinesic interactions. This study concluded that various interactions between caregivers and infants in two families in the urban environment of Wonosobo, Central Java are evidence that caregivers include babies in interaction activities. That is, caregivers do not wait for the baby to reach the verbal stage for them to start interacting verbally with the baby.

Artifacts exploration of the Sumenep great mosque through ethnomathematics for mathematics and social learning

Ethnomathematics research is a part of qualitative research that uses the ethnographic method. This study aims to explore, describe, and interpret the patterns, values, and beliefs found in the artifacts and ornaments of the Great Mosque of Sumenep. The researcher is the primary instrument in data collection through interviews, observations, and documentation. Informants are selected using purposive sampling. Data validation is carried out using triangulation methods to be analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques. The study results indicate that these artifacts can be used as objects for learning mathematics and socio-cultural subjects. Students in their surroundings frequently encounter these objects. This research implies a student-centered learning approach based on ethnomathematics, where they are encouraged to explore the mosque's artifacts.Thus fostering a sense of ownership and meaning in the learning process.

Community-Driven Brakes on Violent Extremism: The Case of Non-Radicalization of the Czech Romani Minority

This paper introduces intra-community brakes on domestic violent extremism within the Czech Romani minority. We discuss how the community’s ties to nonviolent networks, approach to ideology, and family attachment worked against manifestations of violent extremism during three major episodes of political violence affecting the Romani in Czechia. The study draws on extensive empirical data gathered through ethnographic and netnographic methods and analytical tools provided by constructivist grounded theory for data analysis. Our work aims to contribute to the growing body of scholarship on the role of protective factors in preventing engagement in extreme forms of political violence. It would also like to encourage scholarly debate on the notion of marginalized groups as active agents maintaining security within their own communities.

COLLECTIVE ETHNOGRAPHY OF PRINT MAKING IN YOGYAKARTA: A THEORETICAL STUDY OF ART AND SOCIETY

The research entitled ‘Ethnography of Graphic Printmaking Collective in Yogyakarta: A Theoretical Study of Art and Society’ aims to analyse the institutionalisation process of two graphic print art collectives in Yogayakarta, namely: Grafis Minggiran and Krack! Printmaking Studio, and its influence on the art scene. The method that will be used in this research is ethnographic method with data collection techniques in the form of interviews and literature studies. This method was chosen in order to obtain a detailed depth of data from the experiences of the two graphic printmaking collectives. The results of this research are: (1) Both printmaking collectives endeavour to respond to art conventions (especially about techniques) in their art practices; (2) The formation of the collective is an on-campus tradition that spreads out; (3) Krack! Printmaking consistently makes the screen printing technique as a medium of expression in the realm of graphic printing art; (4) Krack! Printmaking then made the phrase ‘Ojo Wedi Mbleset’ (‘Don't be afraid to miss’) as their credo in carrying out the practice of silk screen/screen printing; (5) Grafis Minggiran makes the introduction of a wealth of techniques as its vision in art; (6) Grafis Minggiran is known as one of the (non-campus) graphic collectives that emerged the earliest and at the same time the initiator of the Yogyakarta Graphic Arts Week event.

Epistemic practices in conceptions of computer science

ABSTRACT Background and context We address the question of what computer science students take the discipline to be. How students conceive the discipline can influence whether a student pursues computer science, what particular area within computer science they focus on and whether they persist in the discipline. In this paper, we examine the epistemic practices – how knowledge is created and warranted – of students and teacher as a way to understand what computer science is, as practiced by the participants. Objective The goal of this study is to provide an account for how the students and teacher make and legitimize knowledge in the classroom and computer lab. Method In this case study, we use a combination of ethnographic and multimodal methods. The data collected include audio and video recordings and researcher field notes of classroom and lab sessions. The analysis of the data considers speech, marks on the blackboard and embodied actions including gesture and gaze orientation. Findings In both of these learning environments, CS knowledge in the form of general principles and programming practice are discussed by students and the instructor. However, the way in which such knowledge is warranted in these two settings is different. In the classroom, the instructor is the authority that warrants knowledge claims, whereas in the computer lab, the computer plays a key authority role to determine “what works”. Implications This study provides insight into how instructors can design learning environments based on ways they intend knowledge to be created and warranted.