éthnologie

Ethnologie is a branch of anthropology that studies contemporary human societies and cultures. It focuses on the detailed description and analysis of specific cultures, often through fieldwork and participant observation. Ethnologists aim to understand the diversity of human social life, examining aspects such as social organization, kinship, religion, economic systems, and political structures. The discipline seeks to provide a holistic understanding of a culture from the perspective of its members, known as the emic perspective, while also applying theoretical frameworks for cross-cultural comparison.

The methodology of ethnology is primarily qualitative, involving immersive fieldwork where researchers live within the communities they study for extended periods. This allows for in-depth data collection through interviews, observation, and the analysis of cultural artifacts. Ethnology contributes to our understanding of human behavior, cultural variation, and the commonalities that bind different societies. It plays a crucial role in challenging ethnocentric viewpoints and promoting cultural relativism, the idea that cultures should be understood in their own context. The findings of ethnological research are often presented in ethnographic monographs and articles, contributing to a broader academic discourse on humanity.