Fieldworks

The fieldwork is an essential and distinguishing aspect of anthropological research. The term “fieldwork” is used to describe research in all areas of anthropology from social and cultural anthropology to medical or biological anthropology. The practice of “fieldwork” can be done in a variety of different settings such as an urban or virtual environment, a small tribal community, a museum, library, cultural institution, business, archaeological excavation or a primate conservation area.

IMPORTANCE 

Fieldwork is among the most distinctive practices anthropologists bring to the study of human life in society. Through fieldwork, for example, the social anthropologist seeks a detailed and intimate understanding of the context of social action and relations. Fieldwork in a previously unfamiliar setting has among its aims a deep understanding that encompasses as much as possible of an “insider’s” perspective. Conducted in a more familiar setting, it can lead the anthropologist – and those for whom he or she writes – to look at everyday reality in new and unexpected ways.