In their wonderful book on doing anthropological research, Denny and Sunderland suggest asking a simple question in inductive reporting: “What is ‘X’?” Coffee, literally, is a hot brown liquid, they note, but metaphorically, coffee is a social lubricant, or a morning ritual, or a business tool. Metaphorical language is a good way to explain the hidden, social complexities of a thing and its cultural meaning.
Interesting we cojld use mpre of this
