Observing the Observer : Understanding our selves in field research

INTRODUCTION . . 1

Chapter 1 Developing Research Selves: The Desire, Opportunity, and Preparation to Do a Study . . 15
Chapter 2 Becoming Independent of the Sponsor . . 33
Chapter 3 Gaining Allies, Overcoming Antagonists, Being Tested . . 47
Chapter 4 Personal Selves . . 63
Chapter 5 Understanding the Elderly as a Consequence of My Mothering Role . . 81
Chapter 6 Being a Woman, a Wife, 33 years old, a Jew and a Potential Member . . 93
Chapter 7 Being an American, an Academic, a Sociologist/Anthropologist/ Gerontologist, Dancer and Daughter . . 123
Chapter 8 Situational Selves: Being a Worker, Being Temporary . . 143
Chapter 9 Being a "Volunteer" (Neither a Volunteer nor a Hired Worker) and Being Sick . . 167
Chapter 10 Being a Neighbor, a Friend, a Homemaker, a Hostess and a Leaver . . 179
Chapter 11 Theoretical Conclusions . . 205

EPILOGUE . . 209
BIBLIOGRAPHY . . 213
INDEX . . 221