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Using ethnography to understand twenty-first century college life

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Human Affairs

Abstract

Ethnography in the field of postsecondary education has served as a magnifying glass bringing into focus university culture and student life. This paper highlights the ways in which ethnography is especially useful for understanding more recent dynamics and shifts in higher education. The authors utilize existing literature to uphold the relevancy of ethnography, while exploring its opportunities for research on adult students, online education, and for-profit colleges in particular. They conclude with methodological recommendations and directions for both qualitative research and higher education scholarship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pullias Center for Higher Education, Rossier School of Education, 3470 Trousdale Parkway, WPH 701C, Los Angeles, USA

    Constance Iloh

  2. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-4037, USA

    William G. Tierney

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  1. Constance Iloh
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  2. William G. Tierney
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Correspondence to Constance Iloh.

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Iloh, C., Tierney, W.G. Using ethnography to understand twenty-first century college life. Humaff 24, 20–39 (2014). https://doi.org/10.2478/s13374-014-0203-3

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