Chapter 3: Fieldwork on Prostitution in the Era of AIDS

1. Based on reading this selection, how is ethnographic research different from other social science approaches to research?

Answer: Ethnographic research is different from other social science approaches to research because it goes more in depth. With an ethnographic research you are required to eat, sleep, and breath what is being studied. In order to get a better understanding you will need to incorporate such living (as that of the culture being studied) into your life. It’s more of a research to gain the knowledge of a current situation as oppose to something that has happened in the past. For example Sterk was researching prostitution. She followed the lives of many
(n.d.). Retrieved June 30, 2015, from http://anthrotheory.pbworks.com/w/page/29518607/Boasian

2. How might each point to differing explanation of the yam growing-cycle?

Answer: Both Boas’ and Malinowski’s theories will point to different aspects of the yam growing-cycle because they interpret different parts of the society/culture. Malinowski talks more about the human (individual) needs, whereas Boas’ talks more about the culture as a whole. Using Boas’ theory one would say how the Abelam culture goes about their yam growing-cycle. It would indicate the do’s and don’t of this process. The Abelam people have an understanding as to what takes place during this cycle. Malinowski will speak on how any action done by one can affect the cycle entirely.

3. Describe what Scaglion means by the “ethnographic present”. How does this concept allow for studying cultural change?

Answer: When Scaglion speaks of ethnographic present he is referring to how ethnographers do their research. The ethnographers will speak of a time even if its currently taking place. They will determine how a society acts at that moment and time using the ethnographic present concept. This concept allows for studying of cultural change, because you will be able to study what’s taking place at that current moment. You will be able to observe the changes that will take place as well as the societies thinking of it.

Bronislaw Malinowski (1/6)

1. Where did he