Institutional ethnography (IE) is an exploratory methodology based on particular conceptions of "the social," and was originally developed by sociologist Dorothy E. Smith. Institutional ethnographic research is usually focusing on people's everyday lives, and more specifically on a specific experience or "activity". However, the research aims to find out how dominant or "governing" ways of thinking and acting shape this experience, as well as how these social forces can be challenged. This means that the research moves into institutional relationships, and that the researcher often includes material texts in the research. Much Norwegian and Nordic institutional-ethnographic research explores how people's everyday lives are shaped by the welfare state.
Institutional ethnography is experiencing an increasing interest, both in Norway, the Nordic countries and internationally, and the members of the research group are active in both Nordic, European and other international networks. The methodology is used not only by sociologists, but also by professionals in other disciplines and professions. The research group is interdisciplinary and has members from various departments and faculties.
Activities
- Book launch: Institutional ethography in the Nordic region (in collaboration with the University of Oslo), 28. February 2020.
- PhD-course on institutional ethnography 7. - 8. December 2020, with Rebecca Lund from Center for Gender Research (UiO).
2021
- Book seminar about institutional ethnography 8. June 2021
- Co-organized and contributed in research stream at ESA-conference 2. - 3. September 2021, together with Morena Tartari at the University of Antwerpen. RS04: Institutional Ethnography
- Shared leadership of the European Network of Institutional ethnography: May Linda Magnussen and Morena Tartari at the University of Antwerpen
- Lecture at webinar organized by University of Antwerpen 1. July 2021, "Exploring the potential of Institutional Ethnography"
- Lecture and session at SSSP-conference 5. August 2021, Ann Christin Eklund Nilsen: "CRITICAL DIALOGUE: Institutional Ethnography as an Alternative Revolutionary Sociology around the World"
- New book seminar 18. and 19. November 2021
Relevant PhD Programme
Members in the group
Participants
Associate members
Rebecca Lund, researcher and post doctor at Centre for gender research, UiO
Karin Widerberg, professor at the institute of sociology ved UiO
Ellen Ånestad Moen, PhD student SSHF
Bård Bertelsen, PhD student SSHF/UiA