The Vulnerable Observer Ways of Reading Summary

• Home
• My Books

Open Preview

See a Problem?

We'd love your help. Let us know what'due south wrong with this preview of The Vulnerable Observer by Ruth Behar.

Thanks for telling us virtually the problem.

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Community Reviews

 · 397 ratings  · 36 reviews

Start your review of The Vulnerable Observer: Anthropology That Breaks Your Heart

An interesting and challenging volume that I didn't always agree with, merely the author grapples with hard questions almost anthropology and the part of the anthropologist (and thus the office of whatever social scientific researcher in contempo times). In a set of essays that revolve around the question "how much of the researcher should exist in the enquiry?" Behar explores how her personal background and experiences inform her research. Her discussions are clear, frank, and evocative, and my only trouble wit An interesting and challenging volume that I didn't ever concord with, but the author grapples with hard questions about anthropology and the function of the anthropologist (and thus the part of any social scientific researcher in recent times). In a gear up of essays that revolve effectually the question "how much of the researcher should be in the research?" Behar explores how her personal background and experiences inform her inquiry. Her discussions are clear, frank, and evocative, and my only trouble with the tone is that information technology feels sometimes she slips into being cocky-congratulatory, possibly even a touch smug at times. I remain clashing about foregrounding the researcher in anthropology, an practise that when done without rigor seems likely to plow research into a chance to have a personal confessional and relegate other cultures and people to the role of charming backdrop to the researcher's struggles. Yet, Behar makes a compelling and unflinching case for the value of such anthropology, and the fact that something is sometimes washed badly is inappreciably a reason to jettison the do. ...more

May 07, 2015 Shir rated it it was amazing

I should preface my review by saying that anyone who read this book hoping for a traditional ethnography, will be disappointed. Information technology's not that kind of book.

With that beingness said, I loved this book. I think that the conversation that this book raises, about how anthropologists situate themselves within their research and the personal experience of fieldwork, is an important 1 to take in anthropology. We are not so distanced from that which we study, that our enquiry won't touch united states.

Side notation: I

I should preface my review past saying that anyone who read this book hoping for a traditional ethnography, will exist disappointed. It'southward not that kind of volume.

With that beingness said, I loved this volume. I think that the conversation that this book raises, almost how anthropologists situate themselves inside their research and the personal experience of fieldwork, is an important one to have in anthropology. Nosotros are not so distanced from that which nosotros study, that our enquiry won't bear on us.

Side note: I likewise lost my grandfather while I was doing fieldwork, and it was good for me to know that my experience wasn't isolated, that there are others who take had to go through the same affair.

...more than

Apr xxx, 2014 Annalvogt rated it really liked information technology

I don't know if this book made me think and empathise anthropology per se in a new style; I am tempted to also identify this book in the genre of "academic memoir." Information technology encouraged me to call up about the forces that accept shaped my life, as a Mennonite, as a adult female, as a privileged outsider, and how those forces are always at work as I collaborate and effort to understand the globe effectually me here, in Republic of colombia and in Canada. New ideas for my own memoir….

January 05, 2021 Mija rated it it was amazing

This volume was incredible. And, aye, information technology broke my heart. I will be returning to it, and hopefully I'll think to write a little more than by then.

Nov 23, 2019 Rebekah rated information technology information technology was amazing

Behar models self-reflexivity in ethnographic projects, largely informed by feminist approaches to anthropological research. I loved how she wove her experiences into her research. A must-read for social scientists and researchers!

February 11, 2008 Alex rated information technology did not similar it

The human being who recommended this volume to me is one of the smartest men I've always met. He did so, I believe, in knowing that it would teach me how not to write. I wouldn't be entirely against reflexive ethnography if I didn't feel it becomes as biased equally it ofttimes does.

Behar needs to learn the definition of "ethnography" and turn the focus off of herself and onto her subjects. Instead of making a common thread throughout the book of how she struggled to get her tenure as a minority, why not talk near

The man who recommended this book to me is one of the smartest men I've e'er met. He did so, I believe, in knowing that it would teach me how not to write. I wouldn't be entirely against reflexive ethnography if I didn't experience it becomes as biased as information technology ofttimes does.

Behar needs to learn the definition of "ethnography" and plough the focus off of herself and onto her subjects. Instead of making a mutual thread throughout the book of how she struggled to go her tenure equally a minority, why non talk about something I'd like to larn more about, such as the Mexican death rituals she briefly mentions? And for the record, Behar - it is overhwhelmingly ethnocentric and in poor gustatory modality to express how disgusted you were past the rituals that are and then "vastly different" from the ones you lot grew up with, without putting the rituals in context. What exactly are you doing as an anthropologist, anyways?

...more

February 24, 2010 Scott rated it information technology was ok

Perhaps she was as well vulnerable. I did not appreciate the ability to see "behind the mantle" of ethnography. I realize that these rather stiff biases exists in all anthropologists, but I felt similar her story (possibly self absorption) foregrounded the stories and lived experiences of those she was studying. Perhaps she was too vulnerable. I did not capeesh the power to see "behind the curtain" of ethnography. I realize that these rather stiff biases exists in all anthropologists, but I felt similar her story (peradventure self absorption) foregrounded the stories and lived experiences of those she was studying. ...more

Jun 17, 2008 Nina rated it information technology was astonishing

This book broke my heart and pretty much trigger a nervous breakup and a semester off from grad school. I am meliorate now. This book invoked emotions in me that I forgot I had. I think I am going to read it again, this time with a articulate head.

An engaging read. This volume is thought-provoking. Information technology is categorised under women'south studies and anthropology - but like all skilful books information technology goes across established bookish boundaries and touches upon history, migration and diaspora studies. The report of death, burial and memory are sensitively told - and the questions information technology raises well-nigh bookish objectivity and empathy with your subject profound. Behar writes that today anthropologists are `seeking some other voice...that can conform complex I'southward and An engaging read. This book is thought-provoking. It is categorised under women's studies and anthropology - but similar all skilful books it goes across established academic boundaries and touches upon history, migration and diaspora studies. The study of expiry, burial and retention are sensitively told - and the questions information technology raises about academic objectivity and empathy with your subject profound. Behar writes that today anthropologists are `seeking some other voice...that tin suit circuitous I's and we'south both here and at that place. This has led to a re-theorization of genres like the life history and the life story, and the creation of hybrid genres like self-ethnography and ethno-biography' (p. 26). Her give-and-take about Republic of cuba and Cuban/U.s.a./Jewish identity is intriguing and well written. The author has the ability to explain complex identity issues in a straightforward and sympathetic manner. You lot will find yourself wanting to re-read this book of essays (and at 177 pages this is possible) because information technology volition go out an impression on your mind.
...more

April 29, 2019 A.J. Richard rated it it was astonishing

This volume is groundbreaking. Insightful. Behar presents a uniquely feminist, intersectional arroyo to inquiry which is deeply needed. Whether you agree with her or not, or partially agree with her, she makes a valid example for a different approach to qualitative inquiry which provides incomparable insight and depth.

"Call it sentimental, call information technology Victorian and nineteenth century, but I say that anthropology that doesn't suspension your centre just isn't worth doing anymore." Wonderful footling book that asks important questions nigh observer and observed, subjectivity, the illusion of objective science, our shared vulnerabilities, the living past, and the ideals of witnessing. "Call information technology sentimental, telephone call it Victorian and nineteenth century, merely I say that anthropology that doesn't intermission your heart simply isn't worth doing anymore." Wonderful piddling book that asks important questions nearly observer and observed, subjectivity, the illusion of objective science, our shared vulnerabilities, the living past, and the ideals of witnessing. ...more

Sep 16, 2017 Eliot Fiend rated information technology it was amazing

This is a beautiful weaving of reflections on anthropology (as a field right at present) and Behar's own fieldwork in the US, Spain, and elsewhere and and feel as a Cuban-American. I read it for schoolhouse but for general reading, if y'all are interested in anthropology, it's great. This is a beautiful weaving of reflections on anthropology (every bit a field right at present) and Behar's ain fieldwork in the U.s.a., Spain, and elsewhere and and experience every bit a Cuban-American. I read it for school but for general reading, if you are interested in anthropology, it's great. ...more

Feb 07, 2022 Lisa rated it it was astonishing

This book had highs and lows, but Behar makes a powerful example for anthropology that breaks your centre (which I read as likewise having the potential to break your eye). Yes, I hope to follow in this path.

May 22, 2017 Clelia rated it information technology was ok

Not worth finishing. "The Girl in the Cast" is a brilliant and moving piece of memoir, only I plant all of the other essays rambling, ineffectual, and self-involved. Not worth finishing. "The Girl in the Cast" is a vivid and moving slice of memoir, but I found all of the other essays rambling, ineffectual, and self-involved. ...more

Gorgeous book, relatable and inspiring and taught me virtually my world.

good but rather uneven, much preferred the introduction/first essay on death and memory.

This was a book for form, and it was so beautifully written. Ruth Behar is an ethnographer who argues it is important to be vulnerable when writing and reading. She gives intensely personal examples about dealing with her grandfather'south death, surviving a traumatic machine blow and returning to Cuba to connect with the country she left as a young child. Her raw vulnerability really resonated with me and made me sympathize a lot nearly why I chose to write some of the stories I did, what personall This was a book for grade, and information technology was so beautifully written. Ruth Behar is an ethnographer who argues it is important to be vulnerable when writing and reading. She gives intensely personal examples nigh dealing with her grandfather'southward death, surviving a traumatic car accident and returning to Cuba to connect with the country she left as a young kid. Her raw vulnerability actually resonated with me and made me empathise a lot about why I chose to write some of the stories I did, what personally drove me. It was transformative, and I can't expect to find that vulnerability as I commence on this ethnographic writing. It'southward very different than the objective reporter approach I'm used to taking in journalism. ...more

I merely got a run a risk to read a couple of the essays in this volume earlier I had to return it to the library, but I loved the overall premise. Behar'south first-person anthropological essays are perfect for the postmodern generation of intellectuals. Why pretend that nosotros're unbiased, dispassionate observers when clearly nosotros're homo beings who are deeply afflicted when we witness war and poverty and other tragedies? Why has the University considered this altitude to be preferable? I'1000 non an anthropologist my I merely got a risk to read a couple of the essays in this volume earlier I had to render information technology to the library, but I loved the overall premise. Behar'southward outset-person anthropological essays are perfect for the postmodern generation of intellectuals. Why pretend that we're unbiased, dispassionate observers when clearly we're human beings who are securely afflicted when we witness war and poverty and other tragedies? Why has the University considered this distance to be preferable? I'm non an anthropologist myself, but I guess you could say I'yard a writer/journalist and I think these principles can apply to this field besides. ...more

May 02, 2009 "Stars" rated it actually liked it

A favorite and resonating extract comes from Carmelita Tropicana's comedic act, "Milk of Amnesia": I am like a tourist in my ain country. Everything is new. I walk everywhere hoping I will remember something. Annihilation. I have this urge to recognize and be recognized. To fling my arms around ane of those ceiba trees and say I recall yous...I desire a fissure in the sidewalk to open up and say, yes, I saw y'all when yous jumped over in your patent leather shoes holding onto your grandad'due south index finger A favorite and resonating excerpt comes from Carmelita Tropicana's comedic human activity, "Milk of Amnesia": I am similar a tourist in my ain land. Everything is new. I walk everywhere hoping I volition recall something. Anything. I have this urge to recognize and be recognized. To fling my artillery around one of those ceiba trees and say I remember you lot...I want a fissure in the sidewalk to open up and say, yes, I saw you when yous jumped over in your patent leather shoes holding onto your grandpa'due south index finger. But it doesn't happen. In that location is no recognition from either the tree or the sidewalk." ...more

Apr 22, 2009 Zoe rated it liked it

My mom sent this book to me. So far it's groovy. It brings back all the texts I loved in my undergraduate studies in cultural anthropology, peculiarly from my favorite course ever: Psycho-Cultural Perceptions of Emotion.

6/26 - Mom, wherever you are, I really liked this book. It was a perfect blend of personal and intellectual narrative. It was very inspiring. Thanks.

My mom sent this book to me. So far it'due south great. It brings dorsum all the texts I loved in my undergraduate studies in cultural anthropology, especially from my favorite class ever: Psycho-Cultural Perceptions of Emotion.

six/26 - Mom, wherever you are, I really liked this book. It was a perfect blend of personal and intellectual narrative. It was very inspiring. Thanks.

...more

Jul eleven, 2014 Heather rated information technology it was amazing

In a summer of lethargy and aimlessness, tinged with the low that comes in the nearly frighting of liminal moments, also known equally the months following graduation, this book has rekindled my dearest and passion for anthropology. I promise one 24-hour interval I can write equally well every bit Behar, with the aforementioned kind of love and depth she exhibits in every essay in this book.

Oct 18, 2008 Kristen rated information technology really liked information technology

Splendid exploration of the recent - and often internally contested - shift in anthropology to "viewing identification, rather than difference, every bit the primal defining image of our theory and practise." The shift is what fascinates me about the discipline. Excellent exploration of the recent - and frequently internally contested - shift in anthropology to "viewing identification, rather than difference, as the key defining image of our theory and do." The shift is what fascinates me virtually the discipline. ...more

I think the all-time capacity of the volume was the start and last chapters, which really pushed my thinking near the concept of "vulnerable observer." The residuum of the book helped me recall almost anthropology through a different lens... I call up the best chapters of the book was the beginning and concluding capacity, which really pushed my thinking nearly the concept of "vulnerable observer." The balance of the book helped me recall well-nigh anthropology through a unlike lens... ...more than

Sep 24, 2013 Merrily rated it it was amazing

I loved this collection of essays on the perils and joys of writing & studying as an anthropologist. She dismisses the possibility and value of being a totally objective observer, only recommends the participatory role, which enhances our understanding of those studied.

Lesson: There is merely a narrow clamber-space between machine-biography and ethnography.

This volume is introspective, passionate, and raw; Ruth Behar crafts a masterpiece of authenticity in this autoethnography.

May 25, 2012 Paige rated it it was ok

I didn't stop the entire book; I simply couldn't go into information technology. I didn't stop the entire book; I just couldn't go into it. ...more

News & Interviews

Ah spring, a time for fresh ancestry and fantastic reading. Fans of young adult stories are in particular luck this season, as the side by side few...

"I was touched by the honesty and backbone that I felt information technology took for yous, an academic, to write a volume as personal equally this one." — ii likes

More quotes…

Welcome back. Simply a moment while nosotros sign you in to your Goodreads account.

jamesqualmitill.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/505685.The_Vulnerable_Observer

Share this post