On October 17, 2019, Prof. Jing Jun from the Department of Sociology of Tsinghua University gave a lecture on “Anthropological Fieldwork” at the Institute of International and Area Studies (IIAS) of Tsinghua University, which is the second lecture of “Anthropology Lecture Series”. Prof. Jing introduced a study on life expectancy in Chicago at the beginning of this lecture, which led to discussions on quantitative research. He also reviewed the application of quantitative research methodology on surrogacy and suicide. Prof. Jing pointed out that the same social problem can be analyzed in different ways. For example, in the study of the suicide of Chinese rural women, in addition to quantitative analysis, there is also a qualitative analysis involving deeper implications. He elaborated the operation and application of qualitative research methodology and different scenarios of quantitative and qualitative methods. Prof. Jing used a series of classic ethnography at home and abroad as clues to explain the problem awareness, analysis strategies and conclusions of fieldwork research. Subsequently, he introduced fieldwork methods such as observation and interview. Taking his book “Shentang Memory” as an example, he focused on explaining the problem awareness, investigation path, writing framework and reflection of this research. Finally, Prof. Jing Jun and the students had a lively discussion.
* The Anthropology Lecture Series Fall 2019, hosted by the Institute of International and Area Studies (IIAS) of Tsinghua University, aims to use anthropological perspectives, methodology and empirical cases to provide fieldwork guidance and advices for doctoral students and scholars participating in the lectures.
By Ji Ruobing & Cheng Yao
