Fire

Abstract

This chapter analyses relationships between the researchers and the researched. Guilt affects such relationships in essential, structural ways—postmodern reactions to the excesses of classic anthropology deliver new practices and writing styles, but the discipline still relies on autobiographical techniques that do not free it from guilt.

Reflexivity is a strategic device through which anthropologists cope with their guilt regarding integration. Integration is both lacking (as reflected in boredom and loneliness in the field, and disappointing descriptions) and intrusive (as reflected in spying and camouflage games in the field, and disappointing reciprocity).

The chapter concludes that relationships cannot be sincere enough and respectful enough to make the idealism of populist ethnography come true.