mockethnographic

Mockethnography is an ethnographic research method that employs creative liberties and fiction to analyze and represent social phenomena and cultural practices. This methodology acknowledges that complete objectivity in ethnographic research is often unattainable and may even be undesirable.

In mockethnography, researchers create fictional narratives, scenarios, or settings to explore certain aspects of human behavior, social interactions, and cultural norms. By moving away from traditional ethnographic conventions, mockethnography allows researchers to experiment with new methods of data collection and representation.

Some scholars have used mockethnography to challenge the dominant narrative tropes and clichés present in existing ethnographic literature, creating space for more nuanced and complex explorations of the human experience. Others have adopted this approach to address issues of partiality, bias, and audience expectations in ethnographic research.

Mockethnography may involve the creation of fictional characters, stories, or artifacts that are meant to evoke an impression of ethnographic authenticity. However, it is crucial to distinguish mockethnography from fabrication or fabrication intended to deceive. The distinctions between ethnographic fiction, semi-fiction, and auto-ethnography are critical in evaluating the validity and usefulness of mockethnographic research.

Mockethnography encourages critical reflection on the performative and storytelling aspects of ethnographic research. It also offers insights into issues of power dynamics, representation, and narrative comfort in encounter research. In elevating the tension between fictional and authentic representation, mockethnography joins other postmodern approaches to ethnography in disputing the popular identities of fieldwork, evidence, and fact.