Prof. Anisha Chadha
ANT 207 – Fall 2023
Module 2 – Tutorial Exercise Instructions: With your peers and TA, discuss how Simpson and Hurston contend with their own subject positions as ethnographers doing anthropological research. •
How did they acknowledge their own subject position (if at all) in relationship to their research subjects? In other words, how do you see reflexivity playing out in these two readings? Both Simpson and Hurston hold significant positions in anthropology, offering distinct viewpoints influenced by their experiences and their respective eras' social and cultural environments. Ethnographers often explore the concept of reflexivity in their works, which involves recognizing and acknowledging their subjective perspectives about the subjects they study. Hurston’s writing is marked by a profound connection between her experiences, beliefs, and cultural background, which she weaves with her anthropological research. Her African-
American identity shaped her interactions with the research subjects, particularly in the American South and the Caribbean. Like “Tell My Horse,” Hurston's work frequently went beyond conventional boundaries by seamlessly combining personal subjectivity with ethnographic objectivity. Rather than being a detached observer, she fully engaged with the cultures she studied, incorporating her personal experiences into her ethnographic narratives. Hurston’s work shows reflexivity shining through as she skillfully combines her personal experiences with ethnographic observation. She consistently recognizes her role as someone who observes and as an individual with her own cultural and personal biases.
Simpson would have faced the challenge of addressing issues related to power dynamics, cultural relativity, and ethical considerations. When it comes to ethnography, Simpson would need to confront her own preconceived ideas, biases, and cultural background while engaging with and understanding the experiences of the people she is studying. When comparing the two
anthropologists, it is essential to note that both work within the field of ethnographic research. However, Hurston’s approach is highly personal and deeply connected to her identity and experiences. She demonstrates reflexivity by skillfully contrasting her narratives with broader cultural observations. However, Simpson’s reflexivity, similar to that of her peers, tended to involve a thoughtful recognition of her role as a researcher. She deliberately tried to minimize biases and uphold a certain level of objectivity.
In summary, both Hurston and Simpson demonstrate reflexivity in their anthropological works, although they do so in different ways; Hurston’s approach is profoundly personal and closely tied to her identity, while Simpson’s approach is characterized by a more conventional self-awareness of her position within the ethnographic research process. Both approaches highlight the significance of recognizing ethnographers' inherent biases and subjective perspectives in their research.
