Simply Institutional Ethnography: Creating a Sociology for People

"This book serves as a fitting legacy of the work of authors Smith and Griffith, two pioneers in the field of institutional ethnography, both of whom passed away prior to this book's publication. The authors encapsulate decades of their efforts to create and develop this particularly unique form of sociology and document its conceptual and theoretical refinement along the way. The result is a sophisticated, comprehensive overview that, although rather complex at times, nonetheless lays out for readers the promise and potential of this approach to studying human lived behavior an.d the myriad institutions in which such behavior is embedded." J. R. Mitrano, Central Connecticut State University, CHOICE

“In this slim volume, the authors encapsulate decades of their efforts to create and develop this particularly unique form of sociology and document its conceptual and theoretical refinement along the way. The result is a sophisticated, comprehensive overview that lays out for readers the promise and potential of this approach to studying human lived behavior and the myriad institutions in which such behavior is embedded.” J.R. Mitrano, Central Connecticut State University, CHOICE

"Simply Institutional Ethnography is an inviting, practical introduction to the project of institutional ethnography. Readers new to IE will find clear explanations and inspiring examples of research strategies."

Liza McCoy, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Calgary

"This book is a most welcome contribution to the field of institutional ethnography, in that it explicates the issues and questions most often raised – or which could or should be – when doing IE research. Simply Institutional Ethnography shows how issues come to the surface but also how they are solved. Here is something for us all, representing every level of knowledge."

Karin Widerberg, Professor Emeritus, Department of Sociology and Human Geography, University of Oslo, and founder of the Nordic Network on Institutional Ethnography

"Institutional ethnography may at times appear to be a complex enterprise, but it is at heart a brilliantly straightforward way of thinking about ‘how things work’ in people’s everyday lives. In this book, Smith and Griffith adopt a conversational tone in order to offer an overview of its basic ideas and the varied approaches developed by practitioners over time. Brief discussions of exemplary research studies provide a valuable specificity that grounds the discussion – and suggest avenues for further learning."

Marjorie L. DeVault, Professor Emerita, Syracuse University