TY - JOUR
T1 - Parallel Paradoxes and Useful Uselessness
T2 - Notes on the Confluence of Ethnography, Mindfulness, and Recovery
AU - Draus, Paul
AU - Roddy, Juliette
AU - Asabigi, Kanzoni
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2016, © The Author(s) 2016.
PY - 2016/11/1
Y1 - 2016/11/1
N2 - This article explores potentially productive parallels between ethnographic interviewing, mindfulness-based practices, and recovery processes. First, we consider ethnographic interviews as dialogic and affective encounters that reflect and complement the recovery process, paradoxically enhancing agency by illuminating one’s lack of control. For individuals in recovery from substance abuse and associated trauma, the ethnographic interview may provide an opportunity to examine past events and gain insight into factors that contributed to risky situations and behaviors. We propose that the dialogic space created by the ethnographic interview resembles the moment-to-moment awareness cultivated by mindfulness practices and may have individual-level benefits for similar reasons. We briefly explore the relevance of recent research on epigenetic and neural plasticity. Finally, the potential for greater awareness of these mindfulness mechanisms to enhance ethnographic interviews is discussed.
AB - This article explores potentially productive parallels between ethnographic interviewing, mindfulness-based practices, and recovery processes. First, we consider ethnographic interviews as dialogic and affective encounters that reflect and complement the recovery process, paradoxically enhancing agency by illuminating one’s lack of control. For individuals in recovery from substance abuse and associated trauma, the ethnographic interview may provide an opportunity to examine past events and gain insight into factors that contributed to risky situations and behaviors. We propose that the dialogic space created by the ethnographic interview resembles the moment-to-moment awareness cultivated by mindfulness practices and may have individual-level benefits for similar reasons. We briefly explore the relevance of recent research on epigenetic and neural plasticity. Finally, the potential for greater awareness of these mindfulness mechanisms to enhance ethnographic interviews is discussed.
KW - alcohol, drugs, and tobacco
KW - social sciences
KW - sociological research methods
KW - sociological theory
KW - sociology
KW - sociology of health and illness
KW - sociology of mental health
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U2 - 10.1177/2158244016679684
DO - 10.1177/2158244016679684
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85008604285
SN - 2158-2440
VL - 6
JO - SAGE Open
JF - SAGE Open
IS - 4
ER -