Doing Anthropology

Summary

The transcript explores the essence of anthropological fieldwork, highlighting its interdisciplinary nature and the importance of immersive experiences. Anthropologists engage in deep conversations, observe, and participate alongside subjects to uncover the nuances of social and cultural life. The script delves into specific studies, from Haitian immigrants adapting to American life to artisan cheesemakers' expertise. It emphasizes the iterative process of fieldwork, from observation to participation, and the challenges of representing complex realities authentically.

Takeaways

• 📚 Fieldwork is a term borrowed from natural sciences to contrast with lab work, highlighting anthropologists' hands-on approach to understanding culture and society.
• 🗣️ Anthropologists engage in extensive talking and observing, aiming to connect aspects of social and cultural life that are not immediately apparent.
• 🌐 Erica James' fieldwork at a Haitian social service organization in Boston focused on understanding how Haitian immigrants adapt to a new culture, system, and language.
• 🧀 Heather Paxson's research in Vermont explored the culture and economy of artisan cheesemaking, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning and sensory expertise.
• 🔬 Stefan Helmreich's work involved participating in the everyday practices of marine biologists, including laboratory and sea research, to understand their authoritative knowledge about the ocean.
• 🏥 Challenges in providing health information are highlighted, particularly for undocumented individuals who lack the necessary citizenship proof.
• 🏛️ Citizenship education, knowledge about law, and rights are central themes to security, as discussed in the context of a program building.
• 🚫 Discrimination against immigrants is acknowledged as a significant issue, with anthropologists examining the ethical and moral dimensions of such experiences.
• 🔍 Anthropologists aim to shed light on dimensions of human experience that are not readily apparent, such as the challenges faced by those living in 'gray spaces' of illegality.
• 🤝 Participant observation is a key part of fieldwork, allowing anthropologists to gain firsthand experience and ask more informed questions about the cultures they study.
• 🔄 The transformation of lab techniques and the advent of genomics and bioinformatics have created an iterative cycle between lab and field, influencing how scientists conduct research and test predictions.

Q & A

What is the term 'fieldwork' borrowed from, and what does it contrast with?

The term 'fieldwork' is borrowed from the natural sciences and is meant to contrast with 'lab work'.

What is the primary activity anthropologists engage in during fieldwork, according to Erica James?

The primary activity anthropologists engage in during fieldwork is talking and observing conversations that people are having.

How do anthropologists connect aspects of social and cultural life that people don't automatically connect?

Anthropologists connect these aspects by doing things with and alongside the people they study, to understand and reveal the connections that may not be obvious.

What is the process of gathering information in anthropology like, as described by Erica James?

The process involves being present as much as possible on a regular basis to sometimes get a glimpse into people's inner lives, realizing that things are not always apparent.

What is the focus of Erica James' fieldwork at the Haitian social service organization?

The focus is on understanding how Haitian communities re-establish new lives in another country, learn to negotiate a new system, culture, and language, and what it means to be an American for them.

What is Heather Paxson's interest in studying the culture and economy of farmstead and artisan cheesemaking in the United States?

Heather Paxson is interested in how people learn to make cheese, including the different approaches from informal kitchen practices to more formal business endeavors.

What does Peter Dixon believe defines an artisan cheesemaker?

Peter Dixon believes an artisan cheesemaker is one who uses their hands and senses in the cheesemaking process, determining when to move on to the next step based on their senses rather than strict measurements.

How does Heather Paxson describe the role of expertise in cheesemaking?

Heather Paxson describes expertise in cheesemaking as not being a guarantee for making a good cheese, indicating that there is more to the craft than just technical knowledge.

What was Stefan Helmreich's approach to doing fieldwork among marine biologists?

Stefan Helmreich's approach involved engaging with the everyday practice of marine biologists, including doing laboratory work with them and going on research cruises to answer ecological questions.

What challenges does Joni Shaw identify in providing adequate health information to the people they serve?

Joni Shaw identifies that undocumented individuals are often left out due to the need for proof of citizenship, which poses a challenge in providing them with adequate health information.

How does Erica James describe the role of anthropologists in understanding human experience?

Erica James describes the role of anthropologists as shedding light on dimensions of human experience that are not readily apparent, often involving questions of law, health, and power relations.

What is the significance of participant observation in fieldwork, as illustrated by Heather Paxson's experience?

Participant observation is significant as it allows anthropologists to experience the work firsthand, leading to a deeper understanding of the physicality and nuances of the work, and enabling them to ask better, more informed questions.

How has the advent of genomics and bioinformatics changed the way scientists shuttle between lab and field, according to Ed DeLong?

Ed DeLong suggests that the advent of genomics and bioinformatics has created an iterative cycle where scientists make observations, then go back to the field to test their predictions, indicating a continuous back-and-forth between lab and field.

What does Erica James believe is the most rewarding part of doing anthropological fieldwork?

Erica James believes that the most rewarding part is being able to work with people and gain their trust to allow researchers into their lives, which she finds to be a very demanding but fruitful process.