Ethnographic Stance Research Articles

Lesbian families: A cultural perspective

Abstract After reviewing some of the major themes and trends in research on lesbians, lesbian couples, and lesbian families, I argue for a cultural perspective and an ethnographic stance in clinical work with this population. “Story” and “ritual” are suggested as examples of the many possible cultural lenses that can be useful in such practice, and illustration of how these cultural lenses can be worn in the therapeutic conversation are offered. A cultural perspective makes easy alliance with post‐modern thinking and notions of the de‐privileging of “expert” knowledge.

Research in schools and the case for methodological integration

In spite of the fact that qualitative/ethnographic research into education has gained in popularity in recent years, its relationship with quantitative research is far from resolved. The authors argue that there are strong arguments for a research strategy which combines the two approaches. A case study of methodological integration is provided in which an ethnographic stance dovetailed with the use of a quantitative technique, viz. the triadic elicitation method. The implications of the research are explored in terms of the advantages that accrue to research into classrooms. In particular, it is argued that a superior over-all account emerges, than that which could be provided by a total reliance on one style of research.