Studies in Ethnomethodology by Harold Garfinkel

What got into Agnes' head, anyway?by fscstudent

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05/25/2009: The following is taken from a paper I did for my Intercultural Communication class this past spring semester (2009).

This book has something for everyone who is majoring in any kind of Communication Theory or Ethics, as well as those studying Pre-Law. Although not geermane to the Communication field, Garfinkewl throws in Chapter 5 and its ensuing Appendix for those in Pre-Med, and any of the Humanities or Social Science disciplines (such as Psychology, Psychiatry or Sociology).

Chapters 1 and 2 give a general overview of Ethnomethodology. While these chapters wane in approach at their respective ends, they serve as a wonderful guide to anyone who conducts any kind of qualitative or quantitative research. The studies done at UCLA serve as an excellent tool and guide on how to research one's desired subject.

Those studying Intercultural Communication will find Chapter 3 refreshing. The study on the Jewish family raises all the key issues and conflicts that arise during such studies. Those pursuing careers in race and ethnic relations can use this case as a benchmark to their research and studies.

While Chapter 4 does not cite any landmark cases, it gives great insight into what jurors look for when in deliberations to reach their verdicts. This chapter neatly shows how jurors break down behavioral and cultural patterns--what makes court defendants tick. This chapter serves as a great companion to to any textbook that covers Ethics or Pre-Law--and serves as a bridge between Communication Theory/Ethics and Law.

The study presented in Chapter 5 is both controversial and groundbreaking. I consider it decades ahead of its time. It really gets into Agnes' head, as she goes through her whole dilemma of what she calls being "missexed", and eventually going through the whole sex change process. What rroubles me, though, is that Garfinkel should have waited for more information to come forth before publishing his book. The Appendix is out of place, and seems to be written as an afterthought. Perhaps these two sections do not even belong in this book, but rather as a separate paper or journal--even as part of studies concerning the aforementioned Humnaities or Social Sciences. I was expecting a "Part 2" in addition to the original "Part 1".

Chapters 6, 7, 8 are really extensions of Chapter 5, and focus on such azreas as recordkeeping, selection criteria and rationality or choice. While they provide a good, basic foundatiuon for research studies, these chapters are more geared for majors in Pre-Med, Humanities or Social Sciences. These chapters are more approprioate for texts in these areas.

In summary, Garfinkel has assembled an eclectic array of subjects in this book. Thoise who want a well-rounded background wi9ll get a lot out of this book. The specialist, whether it be Communication Theory/Ethics, Law, Pre-Med, Humanities or Social Sciences can choose from any of the chapters presented here, and use them as companions to their studies