Apa Itu etnografi? Bincang santai Prof. Eka Srimulyani dan Dr. Reza Idria

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Reza Idria explores the significance of ethnography as a research methodology, emphasizing its focus on observing and engaging with cultures over extended periods. The conversation highlights key elements of ethnography, such as intensive fieldwork, long-term immersion, and ethical considerations, including informed consent. Dr. Idria also touches on the concept of netnography, the study of online communities, and stresses the importance of understanding both what people say and do. Overall, the video offers a comprehensive overview of ethnographic research in both traditional and digital spaces.

Takeaways

• 😀 Etnography is a qualitative research methodology used to study and write about cultures and societies. It originated in anthropology but has spread across various disciplines.
• 😀 The term 'ethnography' comes from the combination of 'ethno' (ethnic) and 'graphy' (writing), referring to the process of writing about the culture of a specific ethnic group.
• 😀 Ethnography is crucial because it offers in-depth, long-term observations that are more insightful than short-term studies or journalistic reports.
• 😀 Margaret Mead's contribution highlights that what people say and what they do can be vastly different, and ethnography helps to analyze this discrepancy.
• 😀 A key characteristic of ethnography is its intensive, long-term observation of the studied community, often requiring a minimum of 18 months to provide an authoritative analysis.
• 😀 The approach of ethnography allows researchers to engage deeply with the community, not just through interviews but also by immersing themselves in the daily life of the subjects.
• 😀 Modern ethnographic methods also include digital research, such as netnography, which analyzes online communities and behaviors.
• 😀 Ethical considerations are essential in ethnography, as researchers must ensure that their subjects' privacy and well-being are respected, and that informed consent is obtained.
• 😀 Ethnographers must often revisit the same subjects and situations multiple times to ensure accuracy and understanding of behaviors, beliefs, and cultural practices.
• 😀 The process of ethnographic research involves not only fieldwork but also careful documentation through writing, journaling, and using digital tools to record observations and findings.
• 😀 Ethnography can be applied to diverse fields such as political science, health studies, and even the study of non-human subjects like mushrooms, as it helps uncover the cultural and social behaviors associated with any object or practice.

Q & A

What is ethnography as described in the discussion?

Ethnography is a qualitative research methodology used to study cultures, behaviors, and social practices. Initially popularized in anthropology, it has since become widely adopted in various fields such as political science, sociology, and health studies.

Why is ethnography considered important in research?

Ethnography allows researchers to observe and analyze human behavior in its natural setting, providing a deeper and more authentic understanding of culture, beliefs, and practices. It also offers insights that other methods, like surveys or secondary research, may miss.

How long does ethnographic research typically take to produce authoritative findings?

Ethnographic research typically takes at least 18 months (one and a half years) to be considered authoritative, as it requires a long-term, immersive study of a community or subject.

What does Margaret Mead's quote about ethnography suggest?

Margaret Mead's quote emphasizes the difference between what people say and what they actually do. Ethnography seeks to observe actions directly to uncover this gap and better understand the real cultural practices.

What is the role of immersion in ethnography?

Immersion is critical in ethnography. Researchers need to become part of the community they study, often living alongside their subjects to gain a more genuine and detailed understanding of their cultural context and daily lives.

What ethical considerations must researchers keep in mind during ethnographic research?

Ethical considerations include respecting the privacy and consent of participants, ensuring that data collection doesn't harm the studied individuals, and maintaining transparency and honesty about the research goals.

How does ethnography contribute to Islamic studies?

In Islamic studies, ethnography allows researchers to observe and understand Islamic practices and beliefs in real-world settings, offering a richer, more nuanced understanding beyond theoretical or doctrinal discussions.

What is netnography and how does it relate to traditional ethnography?

Netnography is a form of ethnography applied to online communities, studying behaviors, cultures, and interactions in digital spaces. It shares similarities with traditional ethnography but focuses on online rather than offline environments.

Why is detailed observation essential in ethnographic studies?

Detailed observation is essential because it helps researchers capture the full complexity of human behavior. In ethnography, small nuances and everyday actions often reveal deeper cultural meanings and societal structures.

How do tools like interviews and diaries contribute to ethnographic research?

Interviews and diaries are vital for capturing participants' perspectives and experiences. They complement direct observation by providing insights into the thoughts, feelings, and motivations behind observed behaviors.