عنوان

Qualitative research as theater:

LA107804

انگلیسی

Qualitative research as theater:

[Article]

fieldwork in a South African township through the prism of Goffman's dramaturgical metaphor

Caroline Masquillier

Leiden

Brill

This autoethnographic paper reflects on the qualitative fieldwork I conducted in a township on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. By exploring how a metaphor can assist in autoethnographic reflection, I aim to gain insight into how data can best be collected in deprived informal settlements characterized by high crime rates. This autoethnographic paper draws on the autobiographical materials of the researcher as primary data. This self-reflexive route, which relied on Erving Goffman's dramaturgical metaphor, helped me to process my various fieldwork experiences in a more systematic manner. Attempting to reconcile my 'work' role - a professional, reliable and confidential advisor - with my 'non-work' role - my supposed real self - involved emotion management and the tools of the stage outlined by Goffman in order that the fieldwork could be conducted in an atmosphere of trust while maintaining a professional distance. This autoethnographic paper reflects on the qualitative fieldwork I conducted in a township on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. By exploring how a metaphor can assist in autoethnographic reflection, I aim to gain insight into how data can best be collected in deprived informal settlements characterized by high crime rates. This autoethnographic paper draws on the autobiographical materials of the researcher as primary data. This self-reflexive route, which relied on Erving Goffman's dramaturgical metaphor, helped me to process my various fieldwork experiences in a more systematic manner. Attempting to reconcile my 'work' role - a professional, reliable and confidential advisor - with my 'non-work' role - my supposed real self - involved emotion management and the tools of the stage outlined by Goffman in order that the fieldwork could be conducted in an atmosphere of trust while maintaining a professional distance.

2016

59-78

Afrika Focus

29/2

2031-356X

autoethnography

Erving Goffman

in-depth interview

metaphor

participant observation

role

social interaction

South Africa

Caroline Masquillier

10.1163/2031356X-02902005

p

[Article]

275578

a

Y