Resumen

TRAD, Leny Alves Bomfim. Field work, narrative and knowledge production in contemporary ethnographic research: a contribution to the field of health. Ciênc. saúde coletiva [online]. 2012, vol.17, n.3, pp. 627-633. ISSN 1413-8123.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-81232012000300008.

In this article I reflect on the peculiarities of contemporary ethnographic research, highlighting some challenges inherent to this process. The discussion focuses in particular on the following aspects: the limits imposed by the clear reduction in immersion time in the field; the challenges in learning about ethnographic work, either in the process of observation or interaction in the field, or in the task of textual production; issues of an epistemological and ethical nature that deserve particular attention on the part of practitioners of the ethnographic approach and the scientific community in general. It is especially appropriate to foster debate around the ethnographic method, addressing its peculiarities, operational complexity and potential as a tool for knowledge production, in the sphere of health/public health, bearing in mind the marked increase of this approach in this field.

Palabras llave : Reflexive anthropology; Ethnography in health; Field work; Narrative.