Participant Observation

Abstract

Participant observation is perhaps the pivotal strategy of interactionism. It is a concrete demonstration of the pragmatist emphasis on practice. The methodology uses the self of the sociologist as a tool to explore social process. It directs the sociologist to place himself in the scenes which he wishes to analyse, requiring him to observe and participate at the same time. Its justification stems from the definition of knowledge as an ongoing practical activity; from the argument that sociologists cannot know by introspection or surmise; and from an injunction to respect the reality of appearances. Its pursuit generates paradox for any who choose to discuss it. It is made up of contradictory imperatives, conflicting postures and seemingly insuperable problems. Those paradoxes are largely resolved by the exaltation of practice and the discrediting of abstract methodological treatises. Dilemmas are held to be soluble in situ, a matter for management by the prereflexive mind. Like all normal science, anomalies and absurdities are overwhelmed by neglect. Participant observation mirrors other pragmatist processes because it turns to praxis and away from speculation.