#ethnographic interview

[brothaigh]

Alright, so I need to conduct an interview with someone identifying as Jewish in some way or another. I made a post about this a couple weeks ago and the interview write-up is due in a couple of weeks (beginning of November).

I mentioned to someone who asked that the professor requested an in-person interview rather than electronic but in discussing this with her earlier today, she’s said a video or voice call is acceptable. Several of my other classmates have been having trouble finding someone in the area to interview as well, so she changed her mind.

On that note, if you or someone you know would be down to do an interview with me, please let me know? (note: the interview questions will be personal and, of course, the interviewee is welcome to decline answers to any questions at their own discretion - if you’d like to preview the questions, let me know and I can send them over) Like I said, it would be a voice or video call unless you happen to be in the San Francisco, CA area and would like to do a face-to-face interview.

Thanks!

[anthropologystudentthoughts]

anthropology student thoughts #5

[march 16th 2025]; wrote this when i was in my 1st year.

so my classical sociological theories lecturor gave us an assignment - think of ways how an ethnographic interview can go wrong

and what am i doing? an entire interview guide, storyline AND dialogue lines using my original characters

and the lecturor gave me the ok. aaaanyways: down below is what i wrote (ill use a translator bc the original text is in my native language).

What NOT to Do as an Anthropologist in an Ethnographic Interview

Once upon a time in East Losbuyeo (a fictional country), there was an anthropology fieldwork site. These aspiring anthropologists were conducting fieldwork and needed to integrate into a close-knit traditional community. Below, I will illustrate five scenarios in which an ethnographic interview can go wrong.

The unprepared anthropologist

The pushy anthropologist

The anthropologist who asks questions unrelated to the research topic

The self-centered anthropologist (who makes everything about themselves)

The anthropologist who asks closed-ended questions

For their research topic, students visit the village of Jeoyong (a fictional commune), known for its architectural problems. The houses are dilapidated, and the villagers find it difficult to live in their own homes due to natural disasters (e.g., floods, earthquakes), yet the government does nothing to improve the architecture. Nor do the residents have the money to renovate their homes.

The future anthropologists need to find out how these architectural problems influence the residents’ daily lives.

The Inexperienced Anthropologist

Jae-hwa (anthropology student, fieldwork): Hello, ma’am. (bows politely) Village Woman: Hi there, young man. Jae-hwa: May I interview you about the architectural situation in Jeoyong Village? Village Woman: Of course. Jae-hwa: First question… umm… (glances through his notes)… Village Woman: … Jae-hwa: A-ha! Tell me just how run-down your house is. Village Woman: EXCUSE ME?! HELLO?! Watch your language! Oh, for heaven’s sake! These young people! (goes back into her house)

In this case, Jae-hwa didn’t prepare enough. Not only does he not know the questions by heart, but on top of that, he doesn’t watch his language. He calls the village woman’s house “miserable” and doesn’t adapt to the community.

The Persistent Anthropologist

Danielle (anthropology student, on fieldwork): Hello, sir. (She bows politely.) Villager: Hello… who are you? Danielle: My name is Lee Danielle, and I’ve come to study the community in Jeoyong. I’m an anthropology student. Can I interview you? Villager: Whatever you say… (sarcastically) Danielle: All right. Tell me how much your home has been affected by architectural deficiencies. Villager: But who are you to ask me such personal questions?! Come on! More questions! (angry, demanding) Danielle: Describe an incident in which the weather affected your home (e.g., rain, snow, lightning, etc.). Villager: Come on, go to hell, you idiot! I can see you don’t understand a thing! (leaves for his home)

In this case, Danielle keeps pressing with her questions, even though the man in question isn’t in the right frame of mind to give an interview.

The anthropologist who asks questions unrelated to the research topic

Nichiro (anthropology student, intern): Hello! (bows politely) Villager: Just get to the point, I don’t have all day. I understand you’re here to conduct interviews, is that right? Nichiro: Yes, but that can wait. I wanted to ask you, where is the tavern? Villager: Which tavern? We have about four of them. Nichiro: The biggest one. Villager: Oh, right. It’s on the street to the left. (He heads home.)

In this context, the villager is aware that a group of anthropology students has come to conduct ethnographic research in their village, but Nichiren changes the subject and doesn’t seem interested in being interviewed.

The Self-Centered Anthropologist (who makes everything about himself)

Muyang (anthropology student, intern): Hello. (bows politely) Villager: Yeah, hello. What do you want? Muyang: May I interview you? Villager: Yes, you may. Muyang: Tell me how much your home is affected by architectural shortcomings. Villager: Well… it’s very difficult for me to do my household chores. For example, yesterday the ceiling almost fell on my head. Muyang: Oh, how tragic. I couldn’t live like that. That really is awful. Please describe an incident in which the weather affected your home (e.g., rain, snow, lightning, etc.). Villager: It hailed two weeks ago, and water got into my house. It was flooded everywhere. Muyang: I would have fainted if I were in your shoes. It’s completely unacceptable to live in these conditions! Something has to be done! Villager: Excuse me, but who are you interviewing? We’re not on “Access Direct,” just so you know. I don’t like that you’re making this all about yourself. Muyang: I believe that, as an anthropologist, I need to empathize with people. Villager: That’s your problem, young man, not mine. (leaves for home)

In the context described, Muyang expresses his thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a way that makes the interview more about himself than about the villagers’ local situation; excessive subjectivity. As a result, the interviewee doesn’t like it, so he leaves the premises.

The Anthropologist Who Asks Closed-Ended Questions

Kuro (anthropology student, intern): Hello, Ms. Choi. (bows politely) Village Woman: Hello, how can I help you? Kuro: I wanted to ask if I could interview you about the architectural context in the village of Jeoyong? Village Woman: Yes, no one’s stopping you. Kuro: How much has your house been affected by architectural deficiencies? Village Woman: The roof almost fell on my head because of the earthquake. Kuro: Do rain and snow affect your house? Village Woman: Yes. Kuro: Would you like to see changes in the architecture of your house, or not? Village Woman: Of course I would. Kuro: Do you cope with the seasonal challenges in your home? Village Woman: Excuse me, but I no longer wish to continue this interview if the questions are so leading. Good luck with your ethnography. (leaves the room)

In the situation described above, Kuro asks questions that are far too closed-ended and obvious, which leads to Ms. Choi becoming bored and ending the interview without adding anything further.

The common mistake these aspiring anthropologists made was failing to establish a rapport with the villagers before interviewing them.

INTERVIEW GUIDE | Architectural Issues in the Rural Community of Jeoyong

Architecture

Tell me how much your home is affected by architectural shortcomings.

Describe an incident in which the weather affected your home (e.g., rain, snow, lightning, etc.)

How has your home suffered because of its architecture?

Are there any positive aspects of the architecture (tradition)? If so, what are they?

What changes would you like to see in your home’s architecture?

Daily Activities Affected

When it rains or snows, how do you cope with the challenges inside your home?

At night, how much does the temperature affect you?

Tell us about a time when you were unable to carry out your daily tasks because of the dilapidated architecture.

How does the architecture of your home affect you emotionally and physically?

Past vs. Present

How have the houses in your village changed over time?

What traditional features have been lost or preserved?

Do you think these architectural issues are common throughout the village?

How are your neighbors coping?

How do young people in your community view these architectural issues? Do you think they will stay in the community or leave because of these difficulties?

Government Indifference

Have you tried to get support to repair or improve your home? If so, what was that experience like?

How do you perceive the government’s attitude toward your situation or that of the community where you live?

How do you think the government could help you?

Affected social class

How are you coping financially, given the dilapidated state of the buildings?

Do you perceive any inequality between yourself and other residents in the community?

How would you like the government and social assistance programs to support you?

[july 1st, 2026]

oh lord... if i were to redo this, i'd definitely mention the term "infrastructure", as well as use urban anthropology concepts such as hostile architecture, the power dynamics between the government and the lower social classes, perhaps even enviromental racism, as well as structural violence??? these are the only concepts coming from the top of my mind!

[brothaigh]

Here’s my problem: I need to interview someone for a class. This person must identify as Jewish in one way or another. I don’t know anybody in person who identifies as Jewish.

Anyone have a suggestion?

[khoughnsf-blog]

walking on the other side

The thought of attending my first church service was met with panic. I had been raised Jewish, had my bat mitzvah, a coming of age ceremony at 13 years old, and attended a modern orthodox private school from 4th-12th grade. True, my father's side had been born and raised christian, catholic even, but we saw them rarely only on Christmas, thanksgiving, and Easter. those three days played out the same. every year saying grace before eating was the only ritualistic religious aspect of our time together. Though I had been raised to pay no mind to religion, my school quickly tried to instill separation tactics. Teachers in high school would scoff at those Jews who decided to inter-marry. it was as if those Jews actively sought to abandon their religion and ethnicity. I remember once having a class devoted to comebacks to the most popular scripture missionaries would quote. we were taught to stick to our own kind for fear of assimilation and becoming a traitor. Though I rejected many of my teachers' personal philosophies I knew I attained an uneasy associated with churches. After all, it was one thing to be friends with people who subscribed to different lifestyles, but to try to be open to another opinion, especially one as delicate as religion, made me uneasy.

Ebenezer AME, located in sharp-leadenhall, acts as one of the oldest if not the oldest african american church in the area. The building itself has been standing for 177 years and hold a rich history. The service, to me, played out like a concert. women and men sung songs of praise to God. The preacher then delivered her sermon to the congregation. Though I felt sorely out of place, everyone made it their business to shake hands, hug, and say hello to me. I'll admit I'm unhappy with the outcome of the interviews I conducted, but not everything works out the way we'd like. If nothing else, the ABW crew set up a positive environment for future students to come in and  transcend boundaries in pursuit of knowledge. 

[khoughnsf-blog]

Reflections on Meeting Mr. M

After waiting impatiently, Leon and I spent the later half of our day meeting with our Jacques Ambassador. Though yesterday and today were fraught with minor miscommunications concerning when and where to meet Mr. M, everything turned out just fine. Mr. M greeted both of us warmly with a hug and even told us explicitly his intent to treat us like his sister or brother respectively. Though Mr. M has participated and each iteration of Anthropology By the Wire, I was taken aback at his willingness and his lack of skepticism. With virtually no prodding M started explaining the multitude of services and programs offered by the Jacques  clinic. His enthusiasm boundless, M called out and introduced us to every single person who passed by the board room we sat in. His charisma and love for not only the people but the institution itself amazed me. True, M had said he began frequenting Jacques a while ago, but still how could he possibly know and love all of these people? simply put M's strength, determination, and optimism allow him to put aside his frustrations and work for the greater good. I'm sure M would agree that his time at Jacques has played an integral role in maintaining and attaining his level of optimism. unfortunately, Leon and I only spent an hour with M as he had been at Jacques participating in a seminar earlier that day. Coupled with his new job, we had to make due with a brief meeting. Though he assured us we'd get plenty of audio and visual materials for our video. I've yet to truly comprehend the immediate relationship and bond built today. My wish for our sub-unit is the following: to create and foster a relationship which continues to flourish even after ABW is over. Ethnography should not be a static and contained process. Rather we should continue those relationships that have grown out of sincere questioning. After all the goal is to understand and better the human condition. How can we be so callous as to terminate a relationship because our time in the field is over? I'd go so far as to say neglecting those we've collaborated with is not only cruel but misaligned with our core ethical beliefs. 

After M left both Leon and I opted to take the 20 minute oral swab. as Mr. M said how can you go out on city uprising, or each Thursday, offering free HIV tests without being checked yourself? Anecdotally, M recounted the many passerbys who had asked the very same question he rhetorically posed to us. He had a point; if I cared so much about breaking stereotypes and supported the medical services at Jacques why wouldn't I myself become part of the solution? During our initial meeting Mr. C, another ambassador, had mentioned in passing to me and a few other girls in ABW about getting tested. Though I answered in earnest that I wouldn't mind, later reflection brought up my apprehension. Like most peoples I myself engage in risky behavior not just as far as contracting STDs but in every day life. Life in itself is a risk, it is up to the individual to assess and decide which risks we will undergo ourselves. Still, whether or not one has HIV will not be determined through an oral swab; that is the virus is either coursing through your blood stream or not. No test can change what has already happened to your body. Therefore testing for any illness only enlightens the host and clears him of all possible denial. Quickly and painlessly the nurse had me swipe the plastic test kit over the top and bottom row of my gums. She asked questions based on my gender, sex, race, and behaviors which would increase my risk to exposure and contraction. as the test continued to develop we conversed saying something along the lines of "you and your partner should get tested together. Make it part of your relationship because you care about each other." Getting tested should be a part of everyone's routine check up. As an (almost) 20 year old I have never been offered to get tested for HIV up until two weeks ago at ABW's meeting with the Jacques ambassadors. While my personal choices might have kept me out of risk, plenty of other people my age engage in other behaviors. Regardless, our doctors should recognize that he has an integral role in introducing his patients and offering his patients an HIV test. A constant dialogue needs to be put in place.