What is ethnomethodological approach to research ?

1. Introduction

The ethnomethodological approach to research is a unique and distinctive perspective within the field of sociology. Developed by Harold Garfinkel in the mid-20th century, ethnomethodology focuses on the study of how individuals make sense of their social world and produce meaningful actions within it. This approach challenges traditional sociological methods and assumptions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the everyday, taken-for-granted practices that constitute social reality.

2. Foundations of Ethnomethodology

2.1 Background and Influences

Ethnomethodology emerged as a response to the dominant paradigms in sociology, particularly structural functionalism and symbolic interactionism. Garfinkel, influenced by phenomenology and symbolic interactionism, sought to investigate the methods people use to construct social order and make sense of their interactions. Ethnomethodology rejects the idea of a pre-existing social order and focuses on the ongoing, situated activities through which order is accomplished.

2.2 Breaching Experiments

Central to ethnomethodology is the concept of "breaching experiments." Garfinkel encouraged researchers to intentionally disrupt or "breach" social norms and observe how individuals react and restore order. These experiments reveal the taken-for-granted assumptions and methods people employ to maintain social order, highlighting the constructed nature of social reality.

3. Key Concepts in Ethnomethodology

3.1 Indexicality

Ethnomethodology emphasizes indexicality, the idea that meanings are context-dependent and situationally derived. Meanings are not fixed or universal but are negotiated and interpreted within specific social contexts. Researchers using this approach explore how individuals assign meaning to symbols, gestures, and actions in various situations.

3.2 Members' Methods

Members' methods refer to the practical and often unconscious ways individuals employ to make sense of their social world. Ethnomethodologists examine the methods people use to produce and interpret social actions, focusing on the mundane practices that contribute to the ongoing construction of social reality. This includes the examination of conversation analysis, the study of how people structure and make sense of their verbal interactions.

4. Methodological Approaches

4.1 Naturalistic Observation

Ethnomethodological research relies heavily on naturalistic observation. Researchers immerse themselves in everyday settings to observe and document the ordinary practices and interactions of individuals. By avoiding controlled settings, ethnomethodologists aim to capture the spontaneity and authenticity of social actions.

4.2 Analysis of Talk and Interaction

Conversation analysis is a key method within ethnomethodology. Researchers closely examine the structure and organization of talk, focusing on the ways individuals use language to create and maintain social order. This approach highlights the inherent orderliness and rule-governed nature of everyday conversations.

5. Ethnomethodology in Action

5.1 Studies of Practical Reasoning

Ethnomethodologists often engage in studies of practical reasoning, exploring how individuals navigate and make decisions in their daily lives. By examining the practical methods people use to accomplish tasks and negotiate social situations, researchers shed light on the tacit knowledge and methods that underpin social order.

5.2 Ethnomethodology in Institutions

Ethnomethodological research extends to various institutional settings, such as healthcare, education, and criminal justice. By analyzing the members' methods within these contexts, researchers uncover the implicit rules and practices that contribute to the functioning and maintenance of these institutions.

6. Critiques and Controversies

6.1 Lack of Generalizability

One common critique of ethnomethodology is its limited generalizability. Critics argue that the emphasis on the uniqueness of each social context makes it challenging to draw broader conclusions or develop universal theories. The focus on the specific, situated practices of individuals may limit the applicability of findings beyond the studied cases.

6.2 Subjectivity and Interpretivism

Ethnomethodology's emphasis on the subjective and interpretive nature of social reality has also faced criticism. Some argue that the approach may lead to relativism, where any interpretation is considered valid, undermining the pursuit of objective knowledge about social phenomena.

7. Contributions and Impact

7.1 Influence on Sociology

Despite critiques, ethnomethodology has made significant contributions to sociology by challenging conventional views of social order and introducing innovative research methods. It has influenced fields such as conversation analysis, sociology of knowledge, and sociology of everyday life, shaping the way researchers approach the study of social interactions and institutions.

7.2 Expanding Methodological Repertoire

Ethnomethodology has expanded the methodological repertoire of sociology, encouraging researchers to go beyond traditional methods and explore the practical reasoning and methods individuals employ in their everyday lives. This has led to a more nuanced and contextually rich understanding of social phenomena.

8. Conclusion

In conclusion, the ethnomethodological approach to research provides a unique lens through which to explore the construction of social order and the methods individuals use to make sense of their world. By focusing on members' methods and employing naturalistic observation, ethnomethodologists contribute to a deeper understanding of the situated, context-dependent nature of social reality. Despite criticisms, ethnomethodology continues to shape the field of sociology, challenging established paradigms and expanding the methodological toolkit available to researchers.