Paper Short Abstract:

The narrative around the topic of the ethnographer as an insider or outsider has been debated for some time by scholars. The role of the ethnographer always seems to fluctuate. In the present paper, I will demonstrate the different positions of the researcher in the community.

Paper Abstract:

The role of an ethnographer in the community they study involves both connecting deeply with people and observing them carefully. Ethnographers spend time living within a community to learn about its culture, social interactions, and daily life. By doing so, they gain insights into the group’s values, beliefs, and issues. However, being closely involved can lead to challenges, such as the risk of influencing people’s behaviors or developing biases. Ethnographers need to be mindful of how their presence affects the community and work to minimize any disruptions. Building trust is essential, as it allows them to gather honest information while respecting people’s privacy and autonomy. Ethnographers occupy a unique position: they are partly outsiders but also become temporary insiders in the community and vice versa. This dual role helps them understand the community deeply and share those insights with a broader audience. Ultimately, ethnographers are not only observers; they also hold a responsibility to represent the community accurately, sometimes even advocating for its needs, and reflecting on their own role in the research. Through their work, ethnographers aim to produce understanding that respects the complexity and uniqueness of the communities they study.