Simple Definition: Ethnography
Ethnography is a form of research that can give grantmakers — and, often, grantees — a close, nuanced, and evolving look at an organization, a culture, or a process
of change. Trained as participant observers, ethnographers work from a vantage point that is both inside and outside the object of their study. As outside observers, ethnographers bring a fresh eye, professional skills of documentation and analysis, and an understanding of the unfolding work. As inside participants, they involve themselves deeply in that work, so as to experience its detail and broad themes.
Takeaways are critical, bite-sized resources either excerpted from our guides or written by Candid Learning for Funders using the guide's research data or themes post-publication. Attribution is given if the takeaway is a quotation.
This takeaway was derived from Getting Inside the Story.