Standing still, go along, and zooming in: Complementary strategies of participant-observation in urban ethnography

This paper seeks to complement conventional ethnographic participant observation methods, proposing the integration of three distinct strategies. Motivated by own ethnographic studies, conducted in an urban supermarket and a food festival site, the paper contends that traditional long-term immersion may not always suffice for investigating transient urban phenomena. The paper advocates for the integration of complementary methodological strategies for participant observation adaptable to evolving contexts and research questions. Firstly, the "standing still" approach involves minimal engagement while observing a specific scene or interaction, offering a detached yet insightful perspective on fleeting moments or events. Secondly, the "go along" strategy entails tracking a particular individual, group, or object through
movements and networks, providing valuable insights into routines, relationships, and controversies.
Lastly, the "zooming in" technique uncovers unexpected details within scenes, interactions, or subject matter, enriching understanding of what might otherwise go unnoticed. While the first two strategies are practices employed by early pioneers in the field, the latter gains relevance in an era where video
recordings are increasingly prevalent. The paper argues for the complementarity of the three strategies, fostering a more advanced comprehension of the supermarket and social landscape at large. This study holds significant implications for the practice of participant observation, encouraging researchers to embrace a repertoire of strategies tailored to the unique demands of each research inquiry and situational context. This attentive and context-driven approach allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive grasp
of the social world under scrutiny.