According to anthropologist Alan Barnard,one of the main characteristic of recent ethnography is the emphasis on Reflexivity.The ethnographer reflects on his role as ethnographer.Ethnographers are more subjective regarding ethnography less as an objective account of an alien society and more as an attempt to bridge the divide between cultures.Reflexivity today is activity undertaken during fieldwork.It is also a style of writing.While anthropologists welcomes the notion of Reflexivity when it became popular in the 1980s,it has advantages as well as disadvantages.
Advantages of Reflexivity
Being aware of possible biases introduced by the ethnographer.
Expressing findings with due modesty.
Disadvantages of Reflexivity
An ability to make firm,objective statements about the society or culture
An overemphasis on the ethnographer rather than the people.
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