• The term ethnomethodology was coined by Harold Garfinkel who is best known for his work Studies in Ethnomethodology (1967). ‘Ethno’ refers to the stock of common-sense knowledge available to members of society; ‘methodology’ refers to the strategies which actors use in different settings to make their meanings understandable. Ethnomethodology is a perspective within sociology which focuses on the way people make sense of their everyday world. In this regard, Garfinkel attests that, “Ethnomethodological studies analyze everyday activities as members’ methods for making those same activities visibly rational and reportable for all practical purposes”.
• People are seen as rational actors, but employ practical reasoning rather than formal logic to make sense of and function in society. It refers to the analysis of the ways in which we actively make sense of what others mean by what they say and do. Much of our everyday interaction occurs through informal conversations with others. Garfinkel analysed these conversations. He showed how these conversations are based on shared understandings and knowledge. He refers to these shared understandings and knowledge as ‘background expectancies’. The theory argues that human society is entirely dependent on these methods of achieving and displaying understanding.
• Although this approach was developed by Garfinkel, it is based on Schutz’s phenomenological reconstruction of Max Weber’s interpretive sociology. Bilton have attested that, ethnomethodologists work from Schutz’s claim that the social world is produced and reproduced by the practical actions of actors, on the basis of taken for granted assumptions. Thus, most importantly, ethnomethodology has its roots in the fusion of symbolic interactionism and phenomenology.

Merits of ethnomethodology

1. 1. Rich and detailed data: Ethnomethodology can provide rich and detailed data about people’s everyday lives, which can be difficult to obtain through other research methods. By observing and analyzing people’s interactions, researchers can gain insights into the underlying norms, values, and beliefs that shape their behavior.
   2. Contextual understanding: Ethnomethodology allows researchers to study social phenomena in their natural settings, which can lead to a more accurate and contextual understanding of the data. This is particularly useful when studying complex social processes or when trying to understand the reasons behind people’s actions.
   3. Uncovering hidden assumptions: Ethnomethodology can help researchers uncover hidden assumptions and taken-for-granted knowledge that people use to navigate their social world. This can be valuable in understanding the underlying structures and processes that shape social interactions.

Examples:

1. 1. A study on gender roles in a workplace may use ethnomethodology to observe and analyze the interactions between male and female employees. By examining the subtle cues and implicit rules that govern these interactions, researchers can gain insights into the gender dynamics and power relations within the organization.
   2. Ethnomethodology can be used to study the social interactions within a specific subculture, such as a group of skateboarders. By observing and analyzing their conversations, gestures, and practices, researchers can understand the shared norms and values that bind the group together and the ways in which they construct their identities.

Demerits of ethnomethodology

• Subjectivity: Ethnomethodology relies heavily on the researcher’s interpretation of the data, which can introduce subjectivity and bias. This can be a limitation when trying to establish the reliability and validity of the findings.
• Lack of generalizability: The findings from ethnomethodological studies are often context-specific and may not be generalizable to other settings or populations. This can limit the applicability of the research to broader social issues.
• Time-consuming: Ethnomethodological research can be time-consuming, as it often involves in-depth observations and analysis of social interactions. This can be a limitation when trying to study large-scale social phenomena or when working with limited resources.

Ethnomethodology can thus help us obtain reliable and valid data, but it is essential to recognize its strengths and limitations. When used appropriately and combined with other research methods, ethnomethodology can provide valuable insights into the complex social processes that shape our everyday lives.