Ethnomethodology

So, Ethnomethodology is a perspective within sociology which focuses on the way people make sense of their everyday world. People employ practical reasoning rather than fact to make sense of and function in society (Linstead, 2006).

So in my SOC tutorial today I had my Data Discussion Presentation. I attempted to show an example of Ethnomethodology through a bit of poor acting (some people fell for it).

It went something along these lines:

                     I pretend to get a phone call during my presentation, and apologetically answer

Script:

Hello

Yes that’s me, thank you for calling me back

Well I need to make an appointment, for an ultrasound

How far into?

2 months (RUBS TUMMY)

Next Tuesday, um yes that’s fine.

See you then

I then asked the audience "who though I was pregnant?"

The audience did not know the context in which I needed the ultrasound, and thus they employed practical reasoning to determine a 'probable' answer. When in fact the context of the call could have been:

How far into:

                - the chemotherapy are you?

                - your semester of university are you?

Individuals need to make sense of these events, to maintain their own sanity

Linstead, S. (2006). Ethnomethodology and sociology: an introduction. The Sociological Review, 54(3), 399-404