Summary One

The two articles “Anthropological Fieldwork in Cities” and “Networks, Neighborhoods, and Markets” can be considered introductory articles to anthropology for people with little knowledge of the subject. The first article by Foster and Kemper gives a brief history of the way Anthropology developed within America. The second article by Bestor focused on his fieldwork in Japan. It may seem that the articles would be loosely connected, but there is one specific topic that makes them very alike. In the two articles by Foster and Kemper and Bestor, it focuses on the importance of building networks to improve fieldwork.

“Although casual encounters may offer insights into city life, researchers must work at building a network of informants.” [Foster and Kemper, 13] By forming a network and gaining trust the fountain of information available for an anthropologist will grow. For example by gaining the trust and friendship of a local official is extremely beneficial. Through this friendship an anthropologist can gain access to various records and information about the area. The local official can offer information that those of the public may not be aware of. By forming a network an anthropologist increases the chances of gathering beneficial information for his/her studies.

In the article by Bestor, he proves how beneficial creating a network is. “Gradually getting introduced to others in the neighborhood by our friends the Machida’s, by the real estate agent, and by Mr. Fukuda and his family…Acting on Tuner’s advice, I followed where networks lead me.” [Bestor, 23] By forming a friendship with the Machida’s, Bestor was able to find an apartment and form a friendship with the landlord. Because of this friendship he attended various festivals in which he formed relations with the neighborhood leaders. By forming all these relations he was accepted and able to witness the culture and everyday lives of residents first hand.

These articles will prove to be helpful when gathering information for the Ethnographic Report. It shows how useful forming relations and creating networks are. By creating these bonds an anthropologist gains access to information first hand. They are able to experience culture rather than reading about it or viewing it from afar.