This week’s activity borrows heavily from the field of social anthropology. According to discoveranthropology.org.uk:

“Social anthropologists conduct their research in many ways, but the method most characteristic of the discipline is that of fieldwork based on ‘participant observation’. This usually means spending a long period (a year or more) living as closely as possible with the community being studied; learning the language if necessary; sharing the activities of daily life; observing and participating in the texture of social interactions; and identifying underlying patterns. Through analysing this experience and exchanging ideas with members of the community, the anthropologist aims to gain a deep understanding of how the society works, including its inherent tensions and contradictions. Social anthropologists usually report their research in the form of ‘ethnographies’, which are detailed descriptions of the society in question.”

Obviously, we don’t have the luxury of months or years to complete this activity. This activity should take no more than an hour so it is important to monitor scope and not get too carried away.

To complete this task:

1. Identify a community of practitioners that aligns with your interests and aspirations for the future.
2. Create an ethnography report, no more than 800 words long, that is based on ‘participation observation.’

The term ‘report’ is used here to align with the description above. However, we are not expecting a formal scientific report. Instead, this activity can be done in quite an informal manner and does not need to be too labour-intensive.

As suggested in the quote above, this report should include observations about:

• The tone and language used by members of the community.
• Activities and behaviours such as social gatherings and events.
• The types and modes of interaction.
• Patterns and rules of the community.

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