In Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn, Karen McCarthy Brown studied practitioners of the Vodou religion living in the United States. However, she went far beyond the usual role of scientific observer and became a member of the religious group she was studying. She also gave her key informant veto power over certain elements of her work. Why would this be helpful?

A) It helped her learn all the secrets that practitioners of Vodou would not tell outsiders.
B) It gave her better insight into how to convert practitioners away from Vodou.
C) It helped her set aside preconceived notions about Vodou to understand it on its own terms.
D) It would not be helpful; without doubt, it crippled her ability to make objective judgments.

Question

Emily Mcdermott · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  By allowing her key informant to have veto power over certain elements of her work and becoming a member of the religious group she was studying, Karen McCarthy Brown was able to set aside any preconceived notions she had about Vodou and understand it on its own terms. This is important in conducting anthropological research where it is necessary to approach a culture or religion with cultural relativism, instead of imposing one's own beliefs and values onto the people being studied.

Definitions

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Related questions