Ted Bestor's 'Networks, Neighborhoods, And Markets'

Ted Bestor’s “Networks, Neighborhoods, and Markets: Fieldwork in Tokyo” centralizes around the traditional field techniques he adapted to obtain a first-hand experience as well as a rich and in-depth account of Tokyo. Throughout the article, he stresses how the concept “participant observation,” generally associated with the field, does not convey the full extent of the process. He suggests in its stead “inquisitive observation” or “participant questioning,” which describes the rigorous and thorough process much more accurately (21). The two important points he implores to support his ideas are causal encounters and the concept of “parachuting” to show the limitlessness and flexibility of ethnographic research. Thus, providing a leveled foundation …show more content…
Since Bestor commonly took pictures for special events, Mr. Kuroda came up to him to discuss camera equipment. Their shared interest concerning camera equipment served as a gateway to proceed with the conversation. The commonality between them prompted a spark of interest and a connection. Eventually, the conversation progressed from small talk to one that was much more personal. They transitioned from talking about a common interest to family, which is much more intimate since it shows Mr. Kurdoa is opening up about himself. Mr. Kurdoa told him about how his three kids frequently talked about a young foreign couple in the neighborhood (23). Eventually, this led him to later on meet Mr. Kuroda’s family at a picnic. From then on, their chance encounter developed into a genuine friendship. After some time, Mrs. Kuroda even started frequently inviting him and his wife to casual family dinners. Evidently, the connection between them grew and there was a sense of trust. They were no longer strangers. All this began with Bestor creating opportunities to interact with the community by frequenting at special events. Subsequently, Mr. Kuroda and him even became regular drinking buddies. Not to …show more content…
Bestor was introduced to Mr. Shimizu through an official of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government who was colleagues with him (25). Mr. Shimizu was a senior administrator concerning the marketplace “who had the opportunity to exercise his curiosity and to read about current activities as well as the historical background of the marketplace” (26). Due to Mr. Shimizu’s overwhelming knowledge in that particular field, Bestor was able to converse with him about a variety of things such as the basic patterns of transactions concerning the seven big auction houses in the market as well as “hundreds of small-scale wholesalers” (26). Eventually, this progressed into a conversation about the complex economic system as well as “the market’s small-scale wholesalers” (26). Subsequently, this transitioned into Bestor meeting with officials of a huge trade federation in the marketplace, which gave him many opportunities and privileges such as being able to view documents, having interviews arranged for him, and being introduced to the members. He called this “parachuting” or “dropping in from multiple entry points” because he focused his attention on a variety of sources, instead of limiting his attention solely to one source (26). Bestor took advantage of the opportunities he had and