Career in Ethnography

Being a vast field of study, Anthropology aims to delve deeper into the relationships of human beings with their societies and communities. Often referred to as Social Anthropology, Ethnography is a sub-field of Anthropology and aims to study groups, their daily lives, as well as social, political, economical and other dynamics. Ethnographers have native-social oriented approach towards the investigation. Ethnography is not a body of knowledge as such but a method of research, therefore, the career opportunities are dynamic, as their knowledge is required in various fields of academia as well as in research organisations. This blog will walk you through the essential aspects of Ethnography, courses offered in this field as well as top universities and career prospects.

Must Read: Anthropology Syllabus

What is Ethnography?

Ethnography is a research approach to study a culture and its social relations. It is an account of understanding the social system of a culture. Ethnographers make use of qualitative research methods, though a more grounded approach is used to study groups, cultures or communities. It is a sub-discipline of Anthropology but is also used in other schools of thought.

To understand it in simple terms, Ethnography studies the behaviour of the group as a whole and the people of the group. It involves researchers staying with the community for a longer period – to get hands-on experience at the ground level. For example, it is believed by many specialists that if an Ethnographer is studying heroin addiction is more likely to become an addict himself, as they spend time in the environment and the people, they tend to adapt themselves as well. Ethnographers involve themselves in the subject’s surroundings and their methods of study include gathering the concepts, fieldwork, maintaining the ethical standards throughout the research period. The collection of data to be analysed is carried out in textual, conversational and observational forms.

Related Read: Scope of Sociology as a Career

List of Ethnography Courses & Universities 

As such, there are no courses available for the Undergraduate available in Ethnography, but Ethnography is available as one of the course papers in the study of Anthropology or Cultural Studies. Universities across the globe provide a Bachelor degree in Arts, Science in Anthropology which is a requirement to have a basis in Ethnography. Certification in Ethnography is available across various Universities online and offline where they focus on ethnographic research approach. A PhD can be obtained if an individual possesses a Master Degree in Anthropology or Cultural Studies. Here is a list of colleges offering Master’s level courses in Ethnography:

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Scope

Ethnography as a prominent method of research is highly in demand. We stand today in the era bombarded with information with an intensely curious audience ready to access it. Research about people, cultures and traditions existing in the corners of the world is required to be made available to people all across the world for further development and study. Ethnographers accompany experts of Anthropology in their research as they set out to study the origin, social and cultural development of mankind.

Career Opportunities in Ethnography

Since the knowledge of this sub-discipline is dynamic and is essential in various fields and hence the building a career in Ethnography is filled with immense possibilities. Ethnographers are researchers who are majorly employed in 

• Academia
• Museums
• Archaeological organisations
• Non-governmental organizations in socio-cultural prospects.

The Archaeological Survey of India and other private archaeological organizations along with the United Nations also have an extensive demand for their services. The Ethnographers are suitable to work where there is involvement of people, teaching, social work or in the media field.

Related Read: MA Sociology

Hence, we hope that this blog has familiarized you with the key features of making a career in Ethnography and piqued your interest in the same. If you want to pursue a career in Anthropology or any of its specializations like Ethnography, reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu and we will help you find the right program as well as university that align with your interests, skills and aspirations.