Handbook of Ethnography
- Paul Atkinson - Cardiff University, UK
- Sara Delamont - Cardiff University, UK
- Amanda Coffey - University of Cardiff, UK
- John Lofland - University of California, Davis, USA
- Lyn Lofland - University of California, Davis, USA
Ethnography | Research Methods & Evaluation (General) | Sociological Research Methods
- Journal of Contemporary Ethnography
"No self-respecting qualitative researcher should be without Paul Atkinson's handbook on ethnography. This really is encyclopaedic in concept and scope. Many "big names" in the field have contributed so this has to be the starting point for anyone looking to understand the field in substantive topic, theoretical tradition and methodology."
- SRA News
Ethnography is one of the chief research methods in sociology, anthropology and other cognate disciplines in the social sciences. This Handbook provides an unparalleled, critical guide to its principles and practice.
The volume is organized into three sections. The first systematically locates ethnography firmly in its relevant historical and intellectual contexts. The roots of ethnography are pinpointed and the pattern of its development is demonstrated.
The second section examines the contribution of ethnography to major fields of substantive research. The impact and strengths and weaknesses of ethnographic method are dealt with authoritatively and accessibly.
The third section moves on to examine key debates and issues in ethnography, from the conduct of research through to contemporary arguments.
The result is a landmark work in the field, which draws on the expertise of an internationally renowned group of interdisicplinary scholars. The Handbook of Ethnography provides readers with a one-stop critical guide to the past, present and future of ethnography. It will quickly establish itself as the ethnographer's bible.
This is a great treatment of ethnography for students and anyone just getting into the field, or exploring new themes in their research practice.
A fantastic text which will provide invaluable for students
Some chapters are excellent (Rock; Charmaz and Emerson). Lack of a realist perspective on Ethnology.
Excellent book, although it reads too much as a dictionary, which is both its quality and its default for class use. I could only recommend it, and instead I had them buy a book in a less-dry format.
Nevertheless, the Handbook is part of my bibliography, and I told students that those of them continuing on a PhD curriculum needed to have it on their shelves.