Birds of a Feather ... | Ethnography Project

sub·cul·ture n. 1. A cultural subgroup differentiated by status, ethnic background, residence, religion, or other factors that functionally unify the group and act collectively on each member.

For your ethnography, you will focus on people who coalesce based upon “other factors.” Specifically, those subgroups in which sex or gender is the primary unifying characteristic. However, you will investigate a group of people opposite your sex. Additionally, you must embed yourself with that group for an extended period. The goal is to accurately report on a group of people from an insider’s perspective.

Your ethnography has two parts:

1. A minimum 6 slide PowerPoint or Keynote—no Google Slides—illustrating your particular subculture. This will be done with 2 or 3 partners.
2. A 500-word summary (in MLA Style) of your personal experience, plus photo documentation—a minimum of 3—of your embedded experience

 Subculture guidelines:

• You and your partners must investigate a subculture that:
• is primarily composed of the opposite of your sex*
• groups itself primary based on sex and/or gender**
• You and your partners must spend a minimum of 1-2 continuous hours embedded with this group
• No one can participate in activities that are either dangerous and/or illegal 

*Ideally, this should be a subculture with which you have little or no previous experience
**Though your group might coalesce around their sex and gender, there may be exceptions among the membership. Obviously, people are free to pursue interests outside their sex. Thus, try to pick a group that is at least overwhelmingly of a single sex or gender.

Writing guidelines:

• Ethnography relies heavily on observation. Observe your subjects with a keen eye, noting everything from the individual smallest details to larger implications of their actions.
• Background information is essential to contextualize your subculture for your audience. The more detail you add, the more vivid and informative an experience you will create.
• Your presentation and summary should be a snapshot of a particular moment in time.

Points to consider:

• What is the history of the group?
• How has sex and/or gender shaped the group?
• What are the rituals, practices of the group?
• What do the value as a group?
• How open are they to members of the opposite sex?

Mechanics:

1. Choosing a subculture is the most important decision in the assignment. Choose a group that interests you, but also be realistic about your choice. Some groups will naturally be more difficult to establish contact with, while others will require a larger investment of time. Think carefully about what you and your partners can realistically do in the time allotted.

Some possible subcultures to investigate:

Male—

• Athletes: college, club, amateur
• Boarding Enthusiasts: skateboarders, snowboarders, surfers
• Car Enthusiasts: hot rodders, car collectors, mechanics
• Collectors: sports collectibles, toys
• Cowboy Culture: rodeo
• Fandom: Team fan clubs 
• Fashion: shoe collectors
• Gay culture: drag queens
• Greek System: fraternities
• Gym Culture: bodybuilders, Crossfit
• Nature Enthusiasts: Boy Scouts
• Parenting: daddy groups 
• Spiritual: men’s fellowships
• Tech: gaming, programming

Female—

• Athletes: college, club, amateur 
• Crafts: quilting bees, knitters, scrapbooking 
• Collectors: antiques, coupons
• Gay culture: drag kings 
• Greek System: sororities 
• Gym Culture: aerobics, yoga 
• Fashion: fashion exchange club, makeup clubs, spa day, dance preparation
• Nature Enthusiasts: Girl Scouts 
• Parenting: Mommy groups 
• Professional: Professional women’s network
• Spiritual: women’s fellowships, Wiccans
• Tech: gaming, programming

2. Before you contact anyone, decide on a realistic schedule to work from. You will be under a strict time constraint, so take into consideration your other obligations (e.g. work, school) when planning a schedule. Remember, time management is very important with this assignment.

3. The next step is to find a contact within your chosen subculture. Search the Web for local associations related to your particular group. Try both Yahoo's and Google’s subculture directories for reference information. Meetup.com is also very helpful. Most any group will have some type of association. Another route to take is asking family or friends for references. Depending on the group, a friend or relative might be the best way in. However you get in, remember to have accurate contact information for the main people you will be dealing with.

4. When trying to establish a contact within a group, do not assume you will get a timely response. Persistence may be required. Either way, have a backup plan in case your original choice falls through. Once you do reach someone, politely introduce yourself and explain what it is you are trying to do. If the person is unable (or unwilling) to assist you, ask if he or she knows of someone else who might.

5. Once you have established a contact, work out a schedule that allows you time to research, time to spend within that subculture, and time to create a presentation.

4. When in your subculture, always be respectful. After the assignment is over, a handwritten note of thanks for your main contacts should be sent.

Partners:

Sec. 17—

Matthew B, Darren D, Eric V
Christian F, Erick M, Aryan K
Jason L, Eric McD, Gage P
Manny N, Jose N, Jacky Y
Danielle C, Irene C
Kaitlyn C. Zobeida D, Riley G
Khaliah H, Chelsea L, Kathy L
Mariah P, Laura R

Sec. 58—
Jasmin C, Cindy H, Michelle E
Alicia A, Jamaria H
Jennifer A, Javeria J, Leslie M
April M, Erika M, Jennifer N
Luz N, Abril P, Jailu W
Sam Y, Stephan P, Brayan M
Jose G, Axel P
Alan V, Javier V

Sec 17—
Graciela B, Ricki C
Denzel B, Eduardo G
Elizabeth E, Fatima G,
Matthew J, Oscar, Fang
Dylan G, Jacob M, James D.
Osblado P, Alex S
Kira J, Viviana R, Anna T,
Billy T, John Y, Patrick X

Sec 59—
Cristopher A, Wenlan T
Antonio S, Henry G, Francisco P
Priscilla A, Gabriela H, Cy’airra G
Angela I, Samantha M
Mohit M, Kyle J, Jared L
Rami M, Raquel H
John P, Luis P, Clyde P
Kaylene P, Raven L, Xiaomin H

Schedule:

Week 9: 4.30-5.3

DRAFT 1 PRESENTATION (BRING ELECTRONIC COPY)

Week 10: 5.7-10 (Sec. 17 and 59)

FINAL DRAFT PRESENTATION (IN ONE EMAIL, SEND PRESENTATION AND ALL PARTNER SUMMARIES)

Week 11: 5.14 (Sec. 16 and 58)

FINAL DRAFT PRESENTATION (IN ONE EMAIL, SEND PRESENTATION AND ALL PARTNER SUMMARIES)