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130 Ethnographic Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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Ethnographic research is a method used by anthropologists and sociologists to study and understand different cultures and societies. This type of research involves immersing oneself in the culture being studied, participating in everyday activities, and observing social interactions. Ethnographic essays are written based on this research, providing a detailed and in-depth analysis of a particular culture or community. If you are looking for inspiration for your ethnographic essay, here are 130 topic ideas and examples to consider:

  • The impact of globalization on a remote indigenous community
  • Gender roles in a traditional African tribe
  • Rituals and ceremonies in a Mexican village
  • Youth culture in urban Japan
  • Food traditions in a Middle Eastern country
  • Religious practices in a Hindu temple
  • Family dynamics in a Hispanic immigrant community
  • Education system in a rural African village
  • Healthcare practices in a Native American tribe
  • Social hierarchy in a Southeast Asian society
  • Dating and courtship rituals in a European country
  • Art and music in a Caribbean island
  • Traditional healing methods in an Aboriginal community
  • Political activism in a South American country
  • LGBTQ+ rights in a Middle Eastern society
  • Indigenous land rights in Australia
  • Community festivals in a European city
  • Language preservation in an African tribe
  • Traditional crafts in a Southeast Asian village
  • Environmental conservation practices in a Pacific island
  • Indigenous storytelling traditions in North America
  • Street food culture in a South Asian city
  • Marriage customs in a Middle Eastern country
  • Urban migration in a Latin American city
  • Traditional dance forms in an African country
  • Social media use in a Western society
  • Traditional clothing in a South Asian culture
  • Teenage subcultures in a European city
  • Aging population in a developed country
  • Indigenous governance in a Pacific island nation
  • Homelessness in a North American city
  • Gender equality in a Scandinavian country
  • Cultural assimilation in an immigrant community
  • Folklore and mythology in an Asian country
  • Climate change adaptation in a coastal community
  • Music festivals in a Western country
  • Indigenous resistance movements in a Latin American country
  • Traditional farming practices in an African village
  • Youth activism in a Southeast Asian society
  • Cultural appropriation in a Western society
  • Traditional medicine in an Asian country
  • Community policing in a Caribbean island
  • Dance clubs in a European city
  • Gender identity in a South American culture
  • Traditional architecture in a Middle Eastern city
  • Street art in a North American city
  • Indigenous languages in a Pacific island nation
  • Social welfare programs in a Scandinavian country
  • Refugee integration in a European country
  • Youth unemployment in a developing country
  • Indigenous art forms in an African tribe
  • LGBTQ+ representation in a South Asian society
  • Urban planning in a Middle Eastern city
  • Environmental activism in a Pacific island nation
  • Indigenous rights movements in Australia
  • Traditional music in a Caribbean island
  • Social media influencers in a Western society
  • Traditional healing practices in an Asian country
  • Community gardens in a Latin American city
  • Gender-based violence in a Southeast Asian society
  • Cultural heritage preservation in a European city
  • Traditional clothing in a North American indigenous community
  • Peer pressure in a Western high school
  • Indigenous storytelling traditions in a Pacific island nation
  • Urban gentrification in a Scandinavian city
  • Refugee camps in a Middle Eastern country
  • Indigenous land disputes in a South American country
  • Traditional dance forms in an African village
  • Social media activism in a Western society
  • Gender roles in a South Asian family
  • Traditional crafts in a Caribbean island
  • Cultural diversity in a European city
  • Youth empowerment programs in a Latin American country
  • Indigenous education initiatives in Australia
  • Traditional music in a Southeast Asian village
  • Gender equality in a Pacific island nation
  • Community policing in a North American city
  • LGBTQ+ representation in a Scandinavian society
  • Traditional medicine in an African tribe
  • Climate change adaptation in a South American community
  • Music festivals in a Middle Eastern country
  • Indigenous resistance movements in an Asian country
  • Traditional farming practices in a Pacific island nation
  • Youth activism in a European city
  • Cultural assimilation in a North American immigrant community
  • Folklore and mythology in a South Asian culture
  • Street food culture in a Latin American city
  • Marriage customs in a Caribbean island
  • Indigenous governance in a Western society
  • Homelessness in an African village
  • Gender equality in a Southeast Asian

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55 Ethnographic Essay Topics

ETHNOGRAPHIC ESSAY TOPICS

Table of Contents

Ethnographic Essay Topics: A Comprehensive Guide

Ethnography is a fascinating field that delves into the study of cultures, societies, and human behaviors. An ethnographic essay allows writers to immerse themselves in different cultures and present findings in an engaging manner. If you’re struggling to pinpoint the right topic, this guide will walk you through some brilliant ideas and explain how to make your choice.

How to Choose the Best Ethnographic Essay Topic?

Modern ethnographers often hone in on specific aspects of cultures rather than trying to cover everything. Some focus on particular nations based on ethnicity, language, or geography, while others might delve into aspects like migration, interethnic relations, or religion across multiple cultures. To choose a topic, follow these steps:

Identify a Specific Theme : Decide on a particular cultural element you wish to explore. For instance, if you’re interested in rituals, you could delve into traditional wedding ceremonies in a particular region.

Research : Before diving in, spend some time online familiarizing yourself with your chosen cultural area. This will help you narrow down your topic and ensure it’s unique.

Personal Connection : Choose a topic that resonates with you or that you have a personal interest in. It will make your writing process more enjoyable and your essay more compelling.

Top Ethnographic Essay Topics:

  • Exploring professional and ethical differences in gender indicators.
  • Delving into Egyptian funeral rites and their cultural significance.
  • The role and significance of traditional calendar rituals.
  • Migration patterns and ethnocultural adaptation in the Jewish Autonomous Region in recent decades.
  • The historical and mythological roots of Korean ethnic identity.
  • Preserving the traditional culture of Akha Thailand amid modernization.
  • Unpacking ‘Englishness’ in contemporary Northern England.
  • The roots and progression of Chinese tea culture.
  • Linguistic diversity in Spain: Between theory and practice.
  • The socio-anthropological study of youth political movements.
  • The cultural significance of names in Japan.
  • The Sociocultural Journey of Jews in the Jewish Autonomous Region.
  • Re-emigration patterns in Israel at the turn of the century.
  • The role of tolerance in multi-faith cultures.
  • Challenges of globalization in today’s diverse world.
  • Spatial behaviors in multi-ethnic youth groups.
  • Internet resources and their role in ethnic discourse.
  • Traditional gaming practices in Japanese culture.
  • Collective identity territories in contemporary French discourse.
  • The role and significance of puppets across cultures.
  • Ethno-caste communities and their role in India’s traditional social organization.
  • Unpacking Korean dance: Ethnic and cultural dimensions.
  • Artistic expressions of early European farmers.
  • The role of magic in traditional rituals.
  • The pantheon of Ancient Greek deities: A study in typology and personification.
  • Role-playing games as a modern subculture.
  • The cultural significance of women’s tattoos.
  • Traditional Micronesian shipping: An ethnohistoric perspective.
  • Female deities in Central Asian religions and worldviews.
  • The significance of animals in traditional cultures.

Cultural Practices and Rituals

  • The significance of coming-of-age rituals in indigenous Australian tribes.
  • Wedding traditions and their symbolic meanings in Southeast Asia.
  • Culinary customs: Exploring the communal dining practices in the Middle East.
  • The role of music and dance in West African ceremonies.
  • Birth and naming ceremonies in Native American cultures.

Language and Communication

  • Sign language communities and their cultural significance in the U.S.
  • The oral storytelling traditions of the Maasai tribe.
  • How language preservation efforts shape cultural identity among the Welsh.
  • The evolution and modernization of the Gaelic language in Ireland.
  • The intricate art of Inuit throat singing and its societal implications.

Religion and Spirituality

  • Voodoo practices in Haiti: Beyond the misconceptions.
  • The intricate temple rituals of Balinese Hinduism.
  • Shamanic practices and their role in Mongolian tribal communities.
  • The blending of indigenous beliefs and Catholicism in the Philippines.
  • Pilgrimage trails and their socio-cultural importance in Tibetan Buddhism.

Economic and Social Structures

  • The role of marketplaces in shaping community ties in Morocco.
  • Barter trade systems and their continued relevance in Papua New Guinea.
  • Nomadic lifestyles and economic adaptations among the Bedouins.
  • The cultural significance of cowrie shells as currency in ancient Africa.
  • Traditional and modern coexistence: The tech hubs of Bangalore amidst age-old practices.

Art and Aesthetics

  • The cultural and spiritual significance of Polynesian tattoo art.
  • Maori wood carvings: A story of ancestry and legends.
  • The evolution of sari designs and weaving techniques in India.
  • The symbolism behind Native American totem poles.
  • Balinese mask-making: A blend of craft, drama, and spirituality.

Core Themes in Ethnography:

When considering your essay, you might want to explore some of these overarching themes:

  • The main goals and categories of ethnography.
  • The impact of the terrestrial environment on human development.
  • The intricate relationship between language and cultural traits.
  • The unique religious beliefs across global societies.
  • A study of paganism versus global religions.
  • An insight into primitive beliefs and regional religions.
  • The daily lives and traditions of different ethnic groups.
  • The history and significance of ethnonyms.

Should you find yourself still grappling with a topic, it can be valuable to seek guidance from experts. For top-quality essays crafted to perfection, our team at writeondeadline.com is at your disposal anytime. And if you’re racing against time or need professional input, our skilled writers are just a click away . Don’t hesitate to reach out!

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98 Ethnographic Essay Topics & Research Ideas for Students

🔝 top-10 ethnographic essay topics, 🏆 best ethnographic topic ideas & essay examples, 🎓 ethnographic research ideas for college students, 📌 interesting topics to write about ethnographic, 🎊 ethnographic essay topics: how to choose the best one, 👍 good essay topics on ethnographic, 🌟 stellar ethnography topics for students, ❓ ethnographic research questions, ✍ ethnography ideas: how to write an a+ essay.

  • Ethnographic and Phenomenological Approaches to Research
  • Ethnographic Field Notes from Starbucks
  • Ethnographic Research: Coming of Age in Samoa
  • Navajo Ethnographic and Ethnological Studies
  • A Critical Review of Ethnographic Analysis
  • Cheyenne Indians History and Culture
  • Ethnographic Research Methods
  • Barker’s Ethnographic ExposĂ©: Revealing Structural Violence Against the Marshallese
  • Ethnographic Design: Types
  • Ethnographic Design: Characteristics
  • Clement Restaurant: Ethnographic Description The ethnographic analysis will be added with a demographic review of the region in order to identify whether the business success is stipulated by the ethnographic background of the restaurants, or the population that is […]
  • Ethnographic Prospects in Teaching and Learning Such a controversial view on the approaches taken in the research complies with the changeability of the social life at the moment.
  • Ethnographic Interview of the Costa Rican People The analysis of the social environment is the important aspect of realizing the cultural background and the social problems of the clients.
  • Tourism Management as an Ethnographic Theme Thus, as it is stated in some of the interview, tourists generally expect the attitude of obeisance towards them, and the workers of the tourism sphere feel themselves as the obedient servants.
  • Hong Kong Street Food in Ethnographic Studies Bronislaw Malinowski is often cited as one of the first practitioners of this method during his research of the people of Papua New Guinea.
  • Mayan Culture in Ethnographic Interpretation The Mayan elders were charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the traditions of the people and overseeing all the cultural practices.
  • The Kurds Culture: An Ethnographic Study The most popular of the two dialects is the Kurmanji, it is the language of communication for most of the Kurds today.
  • Mesoamerican Ethnographic Interpretation The civilization of these people faced strong influences from the people in the non-Maya cultures which include the Olmecs of Mexico and the Izapa cultures of people who lived in the Pacific coast.
  • Mayan Ethnographic Interpretation: Traditions and Rituals According to The Mayan culture, the human body was viewed as a combination of the body and the souls. This means that the blood could communicate to the inner and the outer environment of the […]
  • Ethnographic State in India He stated that their ignorance of the customs and beliefs of the Indian people had a hit against the British and that this had resulted to a distant loss of administrative power to British government.
  • The Significance of Ethnographic Observation Thus, Arthur concentrates on the role of women in the use of lithics and the role of females in the development of Prehistoric communities, whereas Sillitoe and Hardy study the use of stone tools and […]
  • Ethnographic reflection Mixing the scientific and humanistic approaches and implementing the anthropological framework and the concept of the bio-cultural triad for covering various sides of life of Beaver community, Brody uses dialogic procedures for depicting and explaining […]
  • Twin Oaks Intentional Community Ethnographic Analysis It was through field work that the community was noted as one of the intentional communities. One of the main lessons learnt was their effort to bring gender equality in the community.

Ethnography research is a study method that allows people to collect unbiased information and make observations. If you need to work on a paper but are unsure where to start—we’ve got you! Below, you’ll find several great prompts for inspiration:

  • The effect of migration and diaspora on cultural practices and identity. The distance between cultures determines how one’s self-image changes while moving the countries. In your work, focus on the social expectations, moral values, and interaction patterns that contribute to the diverse identity perception.
  • Asian Americans’ struggle to fit in. Everyone knows that being a migrant is not easy. No matter what culture you come from, there will be differences between you and the locals. Your writing can focus on the experiences of Asian people in particular and how their situation has changed in the US during the last 4 to 5 years.
  • Families and how they differ depending on the culture. It’s no secret that every nation has its understanding of a family unit and how it should function. In this paper, you can explore how relationships between spouses or children and parents vary from culture to culture.
  • Folktales and how they reveal cultural values. Myths are not just stories but a means of morally educating children and passing on knowledge. Your study can look into how legends contribute to people’s understanding of cultural heritage and tradition.
  • The role of social media in shaping identity and cultural expression. With online networks becoming a part of our everyday lives, their influence on personal perception and worldview cannot be denied. In your writing, explain how social media causes cultural change by crossing geographical boundaries and providing people with a huge amount of information.
  • Understanding the Science of Ethnographic Through Oneirology
  • An Overview of the Dream State and the Concept of Human Ethnographic
  • Understanding the Unconcious Ethnographic
  • The Beauty Of Ethnographic: How Dreams Drive The Individual
  • The Skeptical Ethnographic Argument of Rene Descartes, and the Priori and the Posteriori
  • Ethnographic And Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • An Overview of the Controversy of Ethnographics, a Cognitive Activity During Sleep
  • Animal Ethnographic And Substantiation A Connection To Humanity
  • The Psychological Theories Of The Function Of Ethnographic
  • The Ethnographic and Traditional Aboriginal Spirituality
  • Sleeping and Ethnographic and Theories of Sleep
  • Ethnographic Is Known As The Journey Your Mind
  • The Centrality of the Ethnographic and Its Importance for Aboriginal Spirituality
  • The Benefits Of Lucid Ethnographic
  • Procrastination and Day Ethnographic
  • Comparing and Contrasting Psychological Theories of Ethnographic
  • Ethnographic as a Significant Process in Human Life Experience

One question that bugs most students is finding the right subject for a paper. Well, you definitely want to consider the following:

  • Pick a matter you’re invested in. This might be obvious, but writing about something that interests you can make the work process more fun and engaging.
  • Pay attention to the task’s requirements. Follow the instructions and ask your supervisor for feedback to avoid misunderstandings and mistakes.
  • Take the scope of the topic into consideration. This will help you stay focused and avoid going off the tangent in your work.
  • Do primary research. Make sure there’s enough information to cover the topic you plan to write on.

Not sure where to start? Check out the list below, and you might find a study field that piques your interest:

  • Ethnographic and psychological research. This field focuses on human behavior and experience. For instance, it analyzes how cultural background affects one’s thinking and social communication.
  • Medical ethnography. This study helps professionals understand patients’ behavior and provides information to improve care. The sector examines individuals’ reactions to prescriptions and treatments and considers their demands and suggestions.
  • Culture and human activity. People might not realize that the things they like or how they spend their free time may depend on their place of birth. That’s why this study area examines the connection between individuals’ hobbies and their cultural background.
  • Business ethnography. Marketers observe consumer habits and analyze the target demographic to determine demand and product attitudes. This helps developers and business people meet clients’ needs and provide better services.
  • The Use of Illusion Argument, Ethnographic Argument, and Evil Genius Argument by Descartes
  • Varieties of Lucid Ethnographic Experience, by Stephen Laberge
  • Day Ethnographic in the Middle of the Summer Heat
  • Ethnographic Various Amount Of People Experiences Different Effects
  • Dreams, Ethnographic and Phases of Sleep
  • Freud’s Theory of Ethnographic and Repression
  • Synchroncities in the History of Paranormal Ethnographic
  • Dreams and Ethnographic Nightmares in Children
  • Gender And Ethnographic in Mapuche Shamanistic Practices
  • Phenomenology of Ethnographic
  • Descartes’ Meditations: Ethnographic and Evil Demon Arguments
  • How Is the Power of Dreams and Ethnographic in the Novel of Mice and Men
  • Difference Between Astral Projection And Lucid Ethnographic
  • The Significance of Land to the Ethnographic for Aboriginal People and the Impact of the Land Rights Movement
  • The Importance of Ethnographic and Sleeping
  • Ethnographics Can Bring Misery in the Great Gatsby By F. Scott
  • Exploring Causes of Sleep Difficulty and Ethnographic Problems
  • The Importance of Ethnographic and the Sub-Conscious

Here are some more great ideas for your paper that you might want to check:

  • Cultural significance of traditional arts. What makes conventional forms of expression so essential, and why do people want to preserve them? Answer these questions in your paper! Discuss how art represents a community’s heritage and captures its essence and beliefs.
  • US education system and its impacts on students’ cultural identities. Schools are where children learn more about their surroundings and themselves. This paper can look into how study material and the way it’s covered affects student’s outlook on life.
  • The spread of drug trafficking in Mexico. Who or what is to blame for the growing popularity of drugs in Latin America? Your essay can examine cultural nuances and outside influences that lead to this phenomenon.
  • The role of sports in building a community. In this work, you can discuss the role of sport in promoting multicultural communication, cooperation, and mutual respect.
  • How tourism influences local communities. While tourism definitely contributes to many countries’ economies, some people also believe that it poses a threat to cultural preservation. In your writing, investigate the pros and cons of traveling becoming more affordable and more accessible than ever.
  • What Are the Problems and Constraints of Making Films on Ethnographics?
  • What Importance May the Sex of the Anthropologist Have on the Ethnographic Process?
  • What Does Ethnography Mean?
  • What Is an Ethnographic Example?
  • What Is Considered Ethnographic?
  • What Is Ethnography Used For?
  • What Is the Difference Between Ethnography and Anthropology?
  • Why Is Ethnography Critical in Research?
  • What Is Ethnography in Sociology?
  • What Is Ethnography in Social Research?
  • What Kind of Research Is Ethnography?
  • What Is a Synonym for Ethnography?
  • Is Ethnography a Research Design?
  • How Do You Use Ethnography in a Sentence?
  • When Did Ethnology Appear?
  • How Does Ethnography Work in Real Life?
  • What Are the Critical Characteristics of Ethnography?
  • What Is the Difference Between Phenomenology and Ethnography?
  • Who Was the First Ethnographer?
  • Who Is the Father of Ethnography?
  • How Do Ethnologists Study Culture?
  • What Is the Difference Between Archaeology and Ethnography?
  • What Is the Ethnological Argument?
  • Is Ethnography a Theory?
  • What Is the Weakness of Ethnography?
  • What Is the Difference Between Ethnography and Qualitative Research?
  • What Are the Problems With Traditional Ethnographic Film-Making?
  • What Is the Relationship Between Students and Teachers in Ethnographic?
  • What Are the Pros and Cons of Ethnographic Reflexivity?
  • What Are the Defining Activities and Principles of Ethnographic Research?

Ethnographic essays are an excellent way to show your understanding of the science and the relationships that form a particular development or situation. You have to display your knowledge of anthropology and how it influences a specific population based on various circumstances.

Many factors can affect a group of people, including their geographic location, climate, relationships with other groups, and more. Compiling these elements to form a logical argument can be an overwhelming task.

Here are the best tips to streamline your writing process:

  • Write a clear and concise thesis and include it at the end of the introduction. It will help the reader understand the topic you’re discussing and your arguments.
  • Try to focus on one specific ethnographic essay topic and have every point you make support it. The goal of any paper is to defend its critical ideas without going into unrelated matters.
  • Divide the body of your essay into sections with concise and descriptive titles. This will make navigation more accessible if the reader wants to revisit your essay later.
  • Always cite relevant scholarly research whenever you make a statement of fact. Today’s science is founded on the achievements of past researchers, but their findings should not be taken as universal truths.

These considerations will help you improve your essay while you write it. The resulting paper will be easy to read and comprehend and show your understanding of the topic.

For more inspiration, visit IvyPanda to find ethnographic essay examples and other useful paper samples!

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255 Original Ethnographic Essay Topics & Ethnography Project Ideas for College Students

possible research topics for ethnography

Ethnography is a qualitative study field that investigates socio-cultural relations in a specific human community. The research methods involve fieldwork and participant observation. That means that ethnographers must immerse themselves in everyday life of the people they’re studying. Thus, researchers interview and regard the locals while documenting the data about them and their social aspects.

This field is crucial for anthropology and the creation of anthropological theories. Through ethnography, we can document the range of people’s livelihoods, cultures, and practices. It allows us to observe, examine, and empathize with different human experiences.

If you have studied ethnography, you probably know this is a very extensive subject. In this article, our team has collected ethnographic essay topics and research titles. We also listed tips to help you explore and approach your academic paper. You can browse through them as you decide on the best ethnography topic.

🔝 Top 21 Ethnography Topic Examples

  • 🔎 Interesting Research Topics
  • 📊 Topic Ideas for Comparative Essays

đŸ’» Digital Ethnography Topics

  • ❓ Ethnographic Research Questions

✏ Ethnographic Research Ideas for College Students

💡 ethnography project ideas, 🎓 examples of ethnographic research topics in education, 📜 more topics for ethnographic research paper, 📝 ethnographic essay: plan of action, 🔗 references.

  • The homeless population in the UK.
  • Global Diversity: Importance of Cultural Differences.
  • Cultural practices of the Hadza people.
  • Culture and Diversity in Education.
  • Evolution of the Spanish language in Mexico.
  • Literary Techniques and Ethnicity Role in Screenwriting.
  • Differences between Chinese and Indian parents.
  • Tattoo significance of the Maori.
  • Culture, Globalization, and Intercultural Adaptation.
  • Jewish immigrants in the West.
  • Essential Elements of Ethnography.
  • Nursing home culture in the US.
  • The purpose of ethnography.
  • Impact of Culture on the American Family System and Structure.
  • Rituals of the Japanese tea ceremony.
  • Burial rites of the Toraja people.
  • American Culture Reflection in Sport.
  • The struggles of the Muslim population in France.
  • Culture and Representations: Why Culture and Representation Matter.
  • Religious practices of American Buddhists.
  • Ethnic Groups and Discrimination.

🔎 Interesting Examples of Ethnographic Research Topics

  • The social dynamics of a small business owner’s community.
  • The cultural practices of Zoroastrian communities.
  • The Effects of Diverse Culture of a Business in UAE.
  • Does globalization impact the cultural traditions of indigenous tribes?
  • The daily life of a group of street vendors in a city.
  • Anthropology: The Culture of the People of River Front.
  • The impact of gentrification on a neighborhood’s community.
  • The cultural differences between various generations within a family.
  • Discrimination and marginalization as experienced by the furry subculture.
  • The Cultural Diversity- Tool That Influences Organizational Culture.
  • The relationships and communication patterns in an office setting.
  • What role do social media play in toddler development?
  • Human Behavior and Culture: The Relationship Analysis.
  • The impact of tourism on the culture of Australian aboriginal tribes.
  • The social dynamics of an international university.
  • Ancient Rome: History and Culture.
  • Social adaptation and communication patterns exhibited by international students.
  • The role of traditions in the daily life of an indigenous village.
  • The impact of technology on social interactions in underdeveloped nations.
  • Academic Motivation: Ethnic Teaching in Dutch Schools.
  • Perspectives of Amish voluntary converts on modern technological development.
  • The cultural differences between rural and urban areas of Russia.
  • Culture, Cultural Identity and Related Phenomena.
  • The impact of immigration on the cultural dynamics in Germany.
  • The role of gender in social interactions within Muslim communities.
  • The use of music as a coping mechanism for individuals experiencing trauma or mental illness.
  • ‘Native Americans: Traditional Healing’.
  • The social dynamics of the Knotfest music festival.
  • The role of sports in community building in Argentina.
  • The Influence of Globalization on Arab Culture.
  • The evolution of music festival culture in the United States over the past 50 years.
  • Does music contribute to shaping the gender identities of American adolescents?
  • Ethnicity and Religion Impact on the Second Language Acquisition of Muslims Males.
  • The impact of mobilization on warfare perspectives in the Russian population.
  • Heritage and Culture in African American Literature.
  • The use of music as a tool for social activism and political resistance.
  • The impact of social media on the spread of Islamic fundamentalism.
  • The cultural practices and traditions of Native American holidays.
  • Celebration of Eid Al-Fitr: Its Importance, Traditions, and Meaning.
  • Investigating gender and power dynamics within Amish households.
  • The role of anonymity in the construction of “alcoholic” identity.
  • The role of religion in anonymous alcoholics’ recovery.
  • White Non-Hispanics: Ethnic Groups Discrimination Immigration.
  • Examining the role of identity performance in LGBTQ+ online communities.
  • Organizational Culture and Diversity Within the Modern MNC.
  • The role of traditional healers in Afro-Caribbean religious communities.
  • Religious attitudes within Death and Black Metal communities.
  • The cultural practices and traditions of QAnon members.
  • The significance of faith for LGBTQ+ individuals within conservative religious communities.
  • Ethnic Identity in Asian American Fiction Authors.

📊 Ethnography Topic Ideas for Comparative Essays

  • How do wedding traditions differ in China and the US?
  • Comparing Mexican and American neighborhoods.
  • Multicultural vs. Citizenship Education.
  • Different attitudes toward the afterlife between Christians and Hindus.
  • How have school rules changed over the last 20 years?
  • Race and Ethnic Gangs in Chicago vs. Los Angeles.
  • Women’s roles in matriarchal and patriarchal societies.
  • Comparison of gender roles in Western and Eastern cultures.
  • Critical features of American and Chinese fairy tales.
  • Cohabitation Versus Traditional Marriages.
  • Popular children’s games in the US and Australia.
  • How does street design differ in American and European cities?
  • Comparing business etiquette in the US and Japan.
  • The Parisian Culture: European and Islamic Cultures.
  • Differences in mealtime traditions between America and China.
  • Dress codes in American and Japanese schools.
  • Comparison of soccer and baseball fans.
  • Tradition and Innovation in Chinese Visual Arts.
  • Differences in socializing of homeschoolers and traditional school students.
  • Comparing video gaming practices of children and adults.
  • Differences Between Slavery and Indentured Servitude.
  • A typical day for families with and without children.
  • Analysis of Cultures: Deaf Culture, White Culture, and Black Culture.
  • Urban parks in New York City and Shanghai.
  • Family meals in single-parent and two-parent families.
  • Differences in leisure time between young men and women.
  • Illegal Immigration: Arizona v. United States Case.
  • Shopping habits of Millennials and Baby Boomers.
  • Concepts of beauty in ancient Greece and modern America.
  • Hobbies popular among single and married people.
  • Emmett Scott High School’s Social vs. Academic Culture.
  • Shopping experiences of people with and without visual impairments.
  • Comparing New Year celebrations in the US and China.
  • A typical day for a rural and urban resident.
  • Modern vs. Traditional or Alternative Medicine.
  • Caregiving practices in African American versus Hispanic communities.
  • Differences between Japanese and American restaurant culture.
  • Cultural and Linguistic Differences in Education.
  • Comparing sports of Native and modern Americans.
  • The life of Germans before and after World War II.
  • Differences Between the Brazilian and American Cultures.
  • Differences in parenting practices between the US and China.
  • How does humor differ in Western and Eastern cultures?
  • Comparing attitudes toward immigrants in the US and Russia.
  • Different perceptions of motherhood in Eastern and Western cultures.
  • Egypt Families in Changed and Traditional Forms.
  • Principles and practice of digital ethnography .
  • Application of modern technologies to social study through digital ethnography.
  • Advice on conducting digital ethnography during pandemics.
  • Three lies of digital ethnographies.
  • Addressing the Cultural Disconnect in Online Learning for First Nations Students in Canada.
  • Digital ethnography in a group project: Ethical considerations.
  • Electronic ethnography and media usage.
  • Digital ethnography to strengthen empirical reasoning.
  • Evaluation of a Digital Library: A Case Study.
  • Medical students using Twitter for professional development: A digital ethnography.
  • Questioning “digital ethnography” in the age of omnipresent computers.
  • Modern ethnographic digital techniques for social research.
  • The Relationship Between Culture and Technology.
  • Research on the third sector using digital ethnography.
  • The social network on the dark web using digital ethnography.
  • Foreignism, Media, Imperialism Influence on Culture.
  • In the era of information warfare, digital ethnography.
  • Using embedded visual techniques to reveal consumer values considering digital ethnography.
  • Methodological approaches in the digital ethnography of young culture.
  • Influence of Culture and Technology on the Stage Design.
  • Cybercrime research using digital ethnography: Nomadic digital ethnography and engagement.
  • Millennials, young people, and international research collectives.
  • Digital Knowledge Platforms Versus Traditional Education Systems.
  • COVID-19 pandemic digital ethnography.
  • The use of digital ethnography to improve the Erasmus+ mobility program.
  • Teach for America’s digital ethnography.
  • Social Networks Trends for Reducing Language Barriers.
  • A mixed-methods approach to digital ethnography using semantic social networks.
  • Conducting ethnographic studies in the digital era.
  • Case studies, ideas, and concepts related to digital ethnography.
  • Popular Culture, Commercialization and Industrialization.
  • Best practice guidelines for digital ethnography in intercultural professional communication.
  • Digital ethnography and online gaming.
  • Online learning as a digital ethnography of virtual social distance.
  • Digital ethnographic methodologies in residential settings: Methodological and ethical considerations.
  • Understanding how faculty members use digital ethnography for professional development.
  • Principles of Museum in Contemporary and Digital Art.
  • Analyzing trends socio-computationally to comprehend digital ethnography online videos.
  • Stand-up comedy’s perspective on racism: A digital ethnography of Netflix.
  • The study of language, gender, and sexuality using digital ethnography.
  • Social Media Role in Promoting Social Change.
  • Cross-cultural digital ethnography interpretation: The role of the religious context.
  • A digital ethnography of Instagram: likes, hashtags, comments, and publics.

❓ Examples of Ethnographic Research Questions

  • Do indigenous populations’ experiences differ in the US and Australia?
  • How can Eastern and Western cultures enrich each other?
  • What Is the Effect of Music on Culture?
  • What are the challenges faced by young and older immigrants?
  • How can society facilitate social justice for Australian Indigenous people?
  • What are the dietary patterns of Western and Eastern cultures?
  • What Are the Immigration and Ethnic Relations in the US?
  • How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect ethnic minority groups?
  • What are the ethical issues associated with ethnographic research?
  • How did the Japanese occupation influence Korean traditions?
  • How Do Refugees Affect the Host Country?
  • What are the ethnic identities of children from immigrant families?
  • How do cultures worldwide differ regarding shame, guilt, and fear?
  • How Do Various Races and Ethnicities View the Library?
  • What are the examples of social injustice towards Indigenous populations?
  • How do history and ethnography complement each other?
  • What Are the Changes in Pop Culture?
  • What are the experiences of Chinese students in Western universities?
  • How do immigrant families maintain the traditions of their cultures?
  • What Are the Origins of Hip-Hop Culture?
  • What are the healing practices of Latin American ethnic groups?
  • How do Mexican immigrants interact with the US healthcare system?
  • What Is the Nature of the Racial and Ethnic Inequality?
  • What are the history and current state of ethnographic research?
  • How do refugees from African countries adjust in Europe?
  • What’s the Importance of Ethnic Diversity and Cultural Competence in Nursing?
  • What are the specifics of Mexican American ethnicity?
  • How does Amazonian brew ayahuasca help in addressing substance addiction?
  • What are the three ethnic groups prevalent in the US?
  • What Are the Pressures for and Against a Common EU Immigration Policy?
  • How does ethnographic research help in understanding different cultures?
  • What can American citizens learn from Chinese culture?
  • What challenges do Latin American immigrants face in the US?
  • What Are the Racial, Ethnic, Cultural and Linguistic Issues in Psychology?
  • What do US citizens know about ethnic minority groups’ experiences?
  • What does workplace spirituality mean for Indian employees?
  • What is Korean individuals’ migration decision-making regarding the US?
  • What Is the Connection Between Interracial Marriages and Immigration?
  • What obstacles are faced by English as a Second Language students?
  • Why do Indigenous people in Australia have trouble accessing water?
  • How does foreign religion affect native culture?
  • Analysis of social interactions in shopping malls.
  • The formation of youth subcultures in urban areas.
  • What are the peculiarities of the organization of community festivals?
  • Analyzing the communication patterns in cyberspace.
  • The culture of sports fandom and its key features.
  • The challenges of people experiencing homelessness within specific communities.
  • What is the role of political clubs in society?
  • Analyzing local stories that reveal cultural values.
  • The influence of immigration on the cultural dynamics in the USA.
  • The analysis of the perception of children from low-income families.
  • How do famous people impact the viewpoints of their fans?
  • Analysis of teenage behavior in school and at home.
  • The value of religion in anonymous alcoholics’ recovery.
  • The peculiarities of community dynamics in a small town or village.
  • The culture and customs of indigenous people.
  • Analyzing habits of elementary school children.
  • How did people perceive the concept of death in the past?
  • The origins of women’s roles in different societies.
  • Service staff and their particular view on the visitors.
  • How do immigrants express their identity in a foreign country?
  • The peculiarities of social interactions of employees at a business consulting agency.
  • What are the social customs of motorcycle riders?
  • The pitfalls in interprofessional teamwork practice among nurses.
  • The peculiarities of family structure among Muslims.
  • Analyzing people in a local retirement home.
  • The career choices of people with higher IQs.
  • How do individuals communicate during their journeys on public transportation?
  • Observing medical personnel in a high-volume hospital.
  • The inner perspective of the culture of gamers.
  • The social and cultural dynamics of a high school classroom.
  • Analyzing the lifestyle of a high school teacher.
  • How do children of wealthy parents behave in the education system?
  • The use of modern technology in the learning process and its benefits.
  • How do schools respond to the cultural differences of their students?
  • The peculiarities of school culture in urban areas.
  • How does social media impact school relations?
  • The role of teachers in the formation of the identity of students.
  • The experience of learning and teaching in an inclusive class.
  • How do teachers and students interact with each other in elementary school?
  • The concept of social status in any African community.
  • What are the key health beliefs and myths in the modern society?
  • The view of the American black community on racist narratives.
  • The role of media representation in spreading stereotypes.
  • The impact of religious beliefs and practices on everyday lives.
  • How does social class shape our experiences of life?
  • The role of art and music in expressing cultural values.
  • Analyzing the lifestyle of a lawyer with a successful career.
  • The main greeting gestures in native Chinese societies.
  • The connection between urban planning and social segregation.
  • The efficiency of online communities in providing support for people with shared experiences.
  • The experiences of people living with ADHD.
  • What factors influence the physical health of teenagers?
  • Analyzing the physical outlook of a smoker at a young age.
  • The peculiarities of polygamous marriages in different Asian societies.

Before writing an academic paper, you should have a clear plan. It is especially beneficial for ethnographic essays, as it is a complex study field. Below, we have described how to approach this assignment.

Things to Consider

  • After choosing your ethnography topic, the first step is to ask yourself why it matters . Consider what you are attempting to achieve by writing your paper. Who will be your audience? What do you want them to learn?
  • Once you have this in mind, write down the questions you hope to answer with your research. They will help you keep your essay or research paper focused.
  • Take note of your pre-existing assumptions about your topic. Everyone has personal biases. It is essential to be aware of them when writing an ethnography essay.

Things to Do

  • Thorough research is essential to writing a successful paper. It is best to refer to first-hand accounts , which offer the most insight. However, secondary sources can also be valuable for background reading. You can use our online summary generator to save time reading through them.
  • Try to find authors with different perspectives . This way, you will likely get a well-rounded impression of the chosen topic.
  • Pay attention to how the writers refer to and describe the people they study. You should always question their findings and keep track of their own biases.

Thank you for reading this article. We hope you have managed to find a good ethnography topic idea for your paper. Need a little help putting together your essay title or research question? Try out our handy paraphraser tool !

  • What is Ethnography? – Anthropology@Princeton, Princeton University
  • Ethnographic Research – The University of Virginia
  • Ethnography – Writing Studio, Thompson Writing Program, Duke University
  • What Is Ethnographic Research? — National Park Service
  • Ethnography: Challenges and Opportunities — BMJ Journals
  • Ethnographic Study: Qualitative Studies — GOV.UK

Ethnographic Essay Topics

45 great ethnographic essay topics and ideas for students.

Students are often asked to work on different types of assignments in college. These projects vary in terms of requirements and levels of complexity. The common thing with all the tasks is that you will have a set of instructions to follow.

Choosing good topics makes the process of research and writing easier and more enjoyable. It also ensures that your ethnographic essay covers all the project requirements.

Not sure how to select ideal topics that will impress your professor?

There are a few insights from professional writers that can guide you through the process. In this article, we cover tips on how to select the best topics as well as some unique examples.

How to Select the Best Ethnographic Essay Topic? Useful Insights

Ethnographic essays can be particularly challenging to write. They focus on the formation of social and ethnic groups.

Ethnographers focus on the characteristics that define political, religious, linguistic, and cultural development. So, when tasked with creating topics for your ethnographic paper, consider your interests.

Start by brainstorming for an idea before conducting in-depth research. Choose topics that you already find interesting, narrowing down to a clear and concise option.

Also, make sure that your topics answer the questions set out in the assignment prompt.

List of Ethnographic Essay Topics for Students

The best topics for ethnographic essay writing are relevant and clear.

Here are some amazing examples to guide you:

  • An essay on the discussion of the plight of homeless people in the United States;
  • The degree to which Muslim parents determine the career journeys of their children;
  • Effectiveness of policies aimed at securing the interests of veterans in the United States;
  • Factors responsible for increased migration from Africa to Europe;
  • The reasons behind the popularity of Malta as a strategic route for migrants;
  • How gender factors influence the socialization of Muslims;
  • How parental practices by aboriginal people shape children’s education;
  • The impact of Mediterranean cultures and lifestyles in the tourist attraction in Malta;
  • Religion and politics in the Middle East;
  • Impact of terrorism on international migration trends;
  • The effect of immigration on the quality of education in the United States;
  • The connection between drug trafficking and politics in Mexico;
  • The genetic factors and their implications for IQ;
  • Cultural beliefs and their connection to educational attainment;
  • Culture and the perception of pain in Japan;
  • Poverty as a factor in educational attainment;
  • Demographic trends among the Aboriginal communities in Australia;
  • Race as a factor in incarceration rates;
  • Ethnographic assessment of the willingness to seek medical care;
  • Cultural factors shaping views on higher education;
  • The role of sororities in the American college culture;
  • The dietary and sanitary habits among homeless people in the United States;
  • Impact of immigration on the cultural values of rural Africans;
  • Impact of technology on the cultural beliefs of aboriginal communities;
  • An ethnographic study of the concept of adulthood among rural Brazilians;
  • An ethnographic analysis of the role of traditional euthanasia on the population growth in Brazil;
  • The changing cultural beliefs and practices of the Maasai people of Kenya;
  • Reasons for the existence of churches and political parties;
  • How social organizations have changed over the years;
  • Impact of westernization on the perception of beauty as portrayed by mass media.

Ethnographic Essay Ideas for Inspiration

All students want to get the best grades when they write their academic papers. Just make sure to read and understand the instructions from your professor.

Also, consider the interests of your audience as you work on your topic for that ethnographic essay.

Struggling to find amazing ideas for that ethnographic essay that will impress your professor?

Consider these insights:

  • Choose topics relating to the goal of ethnographic research;
  • Write your essay about the ethnographic territory;
  • Choose topics related to the link between language and ethnographic factors;
  • Write your essay on the terrestrial environment;
  • Choose topics related to the impact of religion;
  • Write an essay on the cultural beliefs of aboriginal communities;
  • Choose essay topics about paganism;
  • Write your unique essay on national religions and primitive beliefs;
  • Write on topics about the effect of globalization;
  • Choose ethnographic essay topics about the impact of information technology.

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40 Most Interesting Ethnographic Research Topics

Ethnographic Research Topics

Finding A-grade examples of ethnographic research topics may not be a walk in the park for college students.

The way of writing an effective ethnographic paper depends on the points discussed below.

So, here is a ready solution.

What is an Ethnographic Research Paper?

Ethnography is a social science method of research that counts on personal experiences within a subject group or a culture. Different instructors may recommend several writing guidelines for such a paper, but it generally follows a standard format. Such an arrangement incorporates a proper analysis and evaluation of the problem. Before we embark on learning how to write an ethnography, let us have a look at an ethnographic essay outline.

Structure of an Ethnographic Essay

The paper should follow the outline below: Introduction It is where you introduce your thesis statement, which is the main idea of the whole project. A proper ethnographic research topic would form a strong foundation for this part. The reader should be able to see an overview of what to expect in the essay. Methodology In this part, you explain how you did your research. Mention all the tools used and why you settled on them. It should be detailed and even a couple of in such a way that the reader can verify the information you used. Presentation and Analysis of Collected Data The findings should be placed on the table first. They should be in a logical manner, beginning with the essential facts. After that, analyze and precisely interpret the data. Let your readers know your criteria for interpretation before you start. Conclusion Different ethnographic research paper topics have different endings. However, the standard procedure is that you reiterate the most important points. Ensure that they are presented in an original way to make your conclusion not to look like a reversed introduction. That is the first part; however, finding quality examples of ethnographic research topics is another battle. Yet, don’t panic, we’ve got a legion of professional soldiers to cover your back on this.

We are going to explore a list of ethnography topics in clusters of ten each to prompt you for more. Get that notebook as we embark on this exciting experience. The items strive to meet your high school and college ethnography topics requirements.

Let’s get right into it, gang.

We will start with the easiest ones as we slowly advance to the technical topics. There is something for everybody!

Easy Ethnography Topics for High School

  • A study of the incisor tooth
  • The best careers that people can settle on in 2023
  • A survey of the lifestyle of a teacher
  • A study of the health benefits of taking water daily
  • A look at the importance of the sun to children
  • How greetings are in Africa
  • A study of the eating habits of dogs and cats
  • A comparison of the red meat and white meat
  • How wealthy children compare to needy children in academic performance
  • A look at how children behave at home versus in school

Interesting Ethnography Topics for College

  • An ethnographic study of the Chinese diets
  • The inner perspective of the culture of skateboarders
  • Critical issues on the social, cultural experience of the dancing
  • How nurses make sense of their caring abilities on the job
  • A study of how second-hand merchants impact the bookselling industry
  • Evaluating the satisfaction of a patient with the quality of care in a hospital
  • What myths and misconceptions surround the global connection
  • A study on the effect of uniforms in schools
  • How language impacts culture
  • A survey of qualitative sampling in data collection

Great Mini Ethnography Topics

  • How have malls changed the shopping sector?
  • Racism and its effects on campus
  • Values promoted by media productions
  • How cultural productions interpret the history
  • A study of the communities in New York
  • Teamwork and its impact on football
  • Reasons for differences in families
  • How service staff view people
  • Lives and cultures of the hotel industry
  • How immigrants express their identity
  • The view of people on gays
  • Adjustments made by women to fit in societies
  • Homeschooling and low grades
  • Hunting as a rite of passage
  • Wrestling and men
  • Concerts and teens
  • Cultural differences between different ethnic groups
  • How political clubs are changing
  • A study of street children in Africa
  • Politics and the U.S

How to write an effective ethnographic paper depends on the points discussed above. There are several ethnography paper examples online to give you more ideas on what you can write. Do not limit yourself to the topics above; create more unique ones on your own.

If you still need more professional writing help on any other essay, we would be more than glad to help. Hit that sends message button today.

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15 Great Ethnography Examples

15 Great Ethnography Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

ethnography examples and definition, explained below

Ethnography is a research method that involves embedding yourself in the environment of a group or community and recording what you observe. It often involves the researcher living in the community being studied. This leads to a much richer understanding of the people being examined than doing quantitative research.

The thing I love about ethnography is that it paints a thorough picture of people’s lives. It is, in its own way, the most raw, honest, and detailed form of academic research.

In my previous blog posts, I have discussed my admiration for thick description as a way to pierce beyond stereotypes and view the world through the lens of our subjects.

And there’s no doubt that ethnographic research has helped us learn so much more about how people navigate their cultural circumstances.

Below are some examples of ethnography – both abstract (with the hope that it helps students think about some ways they can do ethnography) and real-life (with the hope that you will read some inspiring ethnographic studies).

Ethnography Examples

To start, here are some ways you could potentially do ethnography:

  • Ethnography of Indigenous People: There are many examples of ethnographic studies that look at indigenous cultures and how they’re similar or different to Western culture. Beware of the trap of colonialism during this work.
  • Mundane Ethnography: Remember, ethnography doesn’t have to happen in a far off land. You can do autoethnography where you study yourself , or a study of somewhere very banal, like your workplace or home.
  • Educational Ethnography: There is a rich history of teachers and researchers using ethnographic methods in classrooms to explore how learning happens.
  • Ethnography in a Shop: Be the ethnographer within a supermarket by interacting with the people there on a daily basis (maybe as the cashier) and observe how people interact and collide within the space.
  • Working-Class and Immigrant Ethnography: Many sociologists use ethnographic methods to take an inside look at how people on the margins of society grapple with global concepts like capitalism, globalization, and race.
  • Digital Ethnography: Since the rise of the internet, there have been many researchers interested in the digital lives of people. Some of my favorite studies have revealed how we create our identities online.

My Favorite Ethnographic Research Books

1. learning to labour.

Author: Paul Willis

One of my favorite ethnographic works, Learning to Labour follows working-class ‘lads’ in the British Midlands as they participate in counter-cultural and ‘anti-social’ behaviors.

The most fascinating aspect of this book is the rich elucidation of how these working-class boys reject narratives of upward mobility and revel in rejecting mental work at school. But at the same time, they create their own value hierarchies.

In fact, the boys don’t even leave school when they are legally allowed, despite giving a veneer of being anti-school. Instead, they remain there, because there is their own social and even educational value they can get out of it. They prize the manual labor they do in class and, after leaving school, continue to prize physical labor in the workplace while deriding and dismissing mental labor.

2. Being Maori in the City

Author: Natacha Gagné

When indigenous people live in urban environments, their authenticity as indigenous peoples is often brought into question.

Thus, Gagné’s examination of Maori identity in Auckland presents a valuable insight into how people continue to live out their indigenous identities in a changing, urbanized, and colonized landscape.

Gagné spent two years living with Maori people in Auckland and highlights in the book how their identity continues to be central to how they interact both with one another and with broader society.

3. Ethnography of a Neoliberal School

Author: Garth Stahl

While a wide range of academic research has looked at how neoliberalism can affect education, an ethnographic approach allows Stahl to demonstrate how it turns up as lived experience.

Neoliberalism is an approach to governance that focuses on the corporatization of society. In education, this means that schools should be run like companies.

There is no better example, of course, than charter schools .

In my favorite chapter, Stahl demonstrates within one anonymized charter school how teachers are increasingly subjected to performance quotas, KPIs, and governance that narrow down the purpose of education and give them very little freedom to exercise their expertise and provide individualized support to their students.

4. Coming of Age in Samoa

Author: Margaret Mead

Margaret Mead’s groundbreaking ethnography, Coming of Age in Samoa , had implications for two important reasons:

  • It highlighted the importance of feminist perspectives in ethnographic research.
  • It challenged a universalizing stage-based conceptualization of human development.

Mead’s work was conducted at a time when the Western world was in a moral panic about adolescents’ stress and emotional behaviors. The prevailing idea – promoted mainly by male psychologists – was that most of those behaviors were a natural part of the developmental cycle.

Mead, however, saw that female Samoan adolescents had much different experiences of adolescence and would not have fitted into the western mold of how a female adolescent would behave or be treated.

The Samoan society’s liberal ideas around intimacy and the lower levels of academic stress placed on the girls meant they lived very different realities with far less stress and social pressure than their Western counterparts.

5. Ghetto at the Center of the World

Author: Gordon Mathews

Mathews’s Ghetto at the Center of the World explores a multiethnic high-density housing complex in Hong Kong.

While seen by many locals as a ghetto (despite its relative safety!), Mathews shows how the motley group of residents, migrants, and tourists in the building live rich lives at what appears to be ground zero of globalization.

For the people in the building, globalization has offered opportunities but hasn’t solved all their problems. Each person that Mathews follows has their own story of how they navigate a globalized world while maintaining hope for a better future.

Additional Influential Ethnographic Studies

  • Argonauts of the Western Pacific – This study was notable because it presented a turn toward participant observation in ethnography rather than attempts at fly-on-the-wall objectivity.
  • The Remembered Village – A study of caste systems in India, this study is most notable for its methodological influence. Srinivas, the author, lost his field notes, but he continued on with presenting his findings, causing widespread controversy about its methodological merits.
  • Space and Society in Central Brazil – This study explores the experiences of the PanarĂĄ indigenous people of Brazil as they attempt to secure protected space from the colonialization occurring around them. It’s notable for its insights into how the PanarĂĄ people organize themselves both culturally and spatially.
  • White Bound – This book follows two groups, a white anti-racist group and a white nationalist group, and explores how each deals with whiteness. While the groups have fundamentally different goals, even the anti-racist group continue to contribute to white privilege .
  • City, Street and Citizen – Suzanne Hall’s study of the mundane city street explores how multiethnicity is played out in globalized cities. It is a fascinating look at how lives take place within shared spaces where social contact occurs.

Ethnography is, in my humble (and of course subjective) opinion, the most exciting form of primary research you can do. It can challenge assumptions, unpick social norms, and make us all more empathetic people.

Chris

  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
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3 thoughts on “15 Great Ethnography Examples”

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Thanks very much for that. I am an early childhood teacher, already published on the topic of bilingual and multilingual children in our sector. One of my lecturers has suggested an ethnographic study of some of our immigrant children. Not sure where to start with that, but this has put me in the right frame of mind. Thanks again

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Dear Chris,

Any suggested topic on ethnographic research i can start with here in the hospital where i am working. I am a nurse for cardiovascular patients undergoing open heart surgeries.

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As you’re in a high risk setting, you might be best asking your managers at the workplace about this one. You could also consider an autoethnography where you do a study on yourself within the settings.

Best of luck with the study.

Regards, Chris

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COMMENTS

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