Importance Of Fieldwork In Anthropology

Fieldwork is an essential aspect of being an anthropologist, it allows anthropologists to learn about other societies and cultures. One of the most popular forms of fieldwork is participant observation which is when an anthropologist tries to enter the society and culture they are researching as deeply as possible, essentially becoming a local in that community (Hyland,2012 pp.28-29). Although, the anthropologist will always be somewhat a stranger which may limit the amount that the locals will inform them of their culture (Hyland,2012 pp.27). For this to happen one of the most vital preparations is to learn the language of the chosen location so that you can communicate with locals. MacClancy did this when he visited the Mediterranean due …show more content…
Macclancy found his information through subterfuge and indirect ways such as talking to the isolated and then later, drinking with the locals in a pub to successfully carry out his fieldwork (MacClancy, 1988 pp.235) This poses many moral dilemmas as it is unclear as to whether this fieldwork is consensual. As he found some information out in a bar, it’s questionable whether it is okay to gain information from people who are inebriated as that could also be seen as them being taken advantage of as when people are inebriated they are less likely to be aware of everything they say. However, the conversation will be more relaxed and casual so they are more likely to tell the truth which will lead to better fieldwork results despite the moral issues and to learn more about a society it is essential to have trustworthy results. Overall, the implications this has on the future of anthropology is the question of whether it is okay for anthropologists to use alcohol as means of a way to carry out fieldwork. This can be a difficult decision for an anthropologist to decide as ‘the boundaries of what is defined as ethical are too narrowly drawn’ (Bourgois,1990 …show more content…
This demonstrates two different styles of fieldwork. Whilst Macclancy’s was mainly participant observation as he stayed in one place and adjusted to the local community, Scheper Hughes did not stick to this style. This shows that fieldwork is variable as by travelling Scheper Hughes learnt the truth about the organ trade through rumours that the media was dismissing which she wouldn’t have been able to succeed in if she was to stay in one location (Scheper Hughes,2002) and MacClancy wouldn’t have learnt as much about the societies he was with if he moved around. So adjusting to the events occurring is necessary to obtain more information on the society being