Reflections on Fieldwork in Morocco

“At the risk of violating the clan taboos, I argue that all cultural activity is experiential, that fieldwork is a distinct type of cultural activity, and that it is this activity which defines the discipline.”

Rabinow believes that fieldwork is what makes anthropology a distinct field of study. Without it, anthropological writing could be categorized as history, religious studies, biology, or many other fields. This quote can be viewed as the thesis for the entire book; Rabinow hopes that by viewing fieldwork critically he can help better define the purpose of anthropology as a whole.

“[…] I was forcing my way into the village through my official connections.”

Rabinow questions his assumption that Sidi Lahcen Lyussi residents should allow him to work there. Initially there is resistance to his work, but his connections through Ali eventually gain him entry. He feels like he is not welcome at first, though, since he “forced” his way in.

“[…] now that I was in the field, everything was fieldwork.”

As soon as Rabinow arrives in Sefrou, he wonders what doing fieldwork will actually entail. Although he has been promised it will be life changing, there is no specific guidance for what counts as fieldwork and what doesn’t.