The Professional Stranger: An Informal Introduction to Ethnography

by Michael H. Agar

This edition of an introductory text opens with a chapter that brings ethnography up-to-date and aims it toward the next century. At a time when numerous disciplines, organizations, and communities are discovering ethnography, Agar shows how the fundamentals endure.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Social Science

227 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1980

Reviews

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know, the title is deadly, but it's a great readable book about observing people and reflecting on that experience.

[amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow I was happy to learn that Agar wrote the book out of his own opinions and experiences, and only later "visited the library" to see how the manuscript aligned with existing literature. A new introductory chapter added to this edition reflects on changes in sociology (trends, "turns") since original publication; but it wastes time being defensive.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would not suggest this book unless you are interested in learning more about anthropology. The introduction is a bit thick, but the rest of the book has great examples and is interesting to read. The text offers a wide range of strategies and suggestions for ethnographers.

[Louisa Fenwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

On an academic note, a really good introduction to one of my assignments for this term in relation to Social Anthropology. Very funny and easy to read

[Reginaldo Jeremias]

Ethnography reconstructed: the profissional stranger at fifteen