Example Of A Participant Observation

Russell defines participant observation as getting close to people and becoming familiar with them to the point that your presence makes them feel comfortable enough to observe and record information about their lifestyles and patterns. As an intern that does not work full-time, I am a participant observer. As a participant observer: I am an insider that observes and records some aspects of life in the office. The line between observer and performer is not always clear especially after I have work in this site for around a year. At times it can feel as I am a complete participant because I perform the same tasks as my co-workers, but given my short hours and that I am student, I am not a complete participant and it does allow me to observe performances that could be invisible to my co-workers. My positionality as a female and undocumented immigrant facilitated my entrance into the space due to my …show more content…
My experience with SABEResPODER is very different than the one described in Ho’s ethnography since we are more mission/service driven than money driven. Our LA office consist of one suit, divided by the sale/marketing team office, cubicles, small conference room, a small kitchen and a small more private office main used by the companies CEO. Aside from the small private office there is no segregation and we are encouraged to talk to each other to create a stronger sense of team. Our team is very diverse and there is a sense gender balance, the LA office there composed of 5 female and 6 males. Out of the 11 members, the majority of us come from latinx communities except for one Asian, a Persian and one white male. In regards to class, to my understanding most of my co-workers come from working or middle class backgrounds and the ones from latinx background are either first or second generation