Evolution of Fieldwork in Anthropology

Seminar paper from the year 2012 in the subject Pedagogy - Theory of Science, Anthropology, grade: 1, Massey University, New Zealand, course: Kulturanthropologie, language: English, abstract: The use of fieldwork is considered to be fundamental part of anthropological research, with many different methodologies being utilised depending on one’s theoretical stance. This essay will look to compare two different anthropologists’ approaches – that of Bronisław Malinowski’s (1922) work in New Guinea and Susan Krieger’s (1996) work in America. Through giving a general definition of fieldwork first, the two anthropologists’ methodologies will be outlined and contrasted. It is found that while there are certain similarities between both approaches, with each having their own distinctive strengths, the differences can be accounted for by historical environments and the goals of the anthropologist.