Doing ethnography from within a constructivist paradigm to explore virtual communities in Saudi Arabia
Journal Title: PRZEGLĄD SOCJOLOGII JAKOŚCIOWEJ - Year 2014, Vol 10, Issue 4
Abstract
Most of the studies in the recent literature focus on the method used but not the philosophy behind it. This article focuses on doing ethnography, from within a constructivist paradigm, to explore individuals’ participation in virtual communities in Saudi Arabia. An aim of this article is to highlight how particular ethnographic techniques, viz unobtrusive observation and participation, were used in that study. The article argues that doing ethnography in this way allowed for placing the results within the social and cultural context of Saudi society. The article, which includes a sample of the findings from the two techniques involved for illustration, concludes that the one-year unobtrusive observation and the eight months’ participation in two different but similar virtual communities, during the period 2001-2002, have produced findings that are deep, meaningful and rich in description.
Authors and Affiliations
Yeslam Al-Saggaf, Kirsty Williamson
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP127026
- DOI -
- Views 128
- Downloads 0
Upośledzenie umysłowe jako niepełnosprawność i jako sposób bycia człowiekiem
Antropologiczna analiza obrazu na przykładzie fotografii
On the Problematic Aspects of “Method” in Post-Foucauldian Social Studies—Between the Transcription and Fugue Strategy
The basic purpose of the text is a reflexion on the problems with methodological directives that stem from the works of Foucault. Simultaneously, this voice imprints itself into the general understanding of styles of rec...
"Squarness" as a phenomenon in the sociological texts’ translations process.
Intensification of Imagination: On the Researcher’s Identity and the Suspension of Unconditional Objectivity Intensification of Imagination: On the Researcher’s Identity and the Suspension of Unconditional Objectivity
Such academic values as impartiality of thinking, logical rules, tolerance in scientific matters define the spirit of science. Following the ethnographer’s path and looking at my own research, I point out that a person’s...