the ethnographic method

The ethnographic method is a research approach used to understand people's cultures, behaviors, and social interactions by closely observing and interacting with them in their natural environment. Researchers often spend extended time immersed in a community, participating in daily activities, conducting interviews, and taking detailed notes. This helps them gain an insider’s perspective, capturing the complexities and nuances of the community’s way of life. Essentially, ethnography offers a deep, contextual understanding of how people live, think, and relate to one another within their cultural setting.