Charles Taylor Book Award Honorable Mention 2019: Timothy Pachirat, for Among Wolves: Ethnography and the Immersive Study of Power

Honorable Mention: Timothy Pachirat (University of Massachusetts at Amherst), for Among Wolves: Ethnography and the Immersive Study of Power (Routledge)

In this dramatic reimagining of discussion of ethnographic methods as a conversation among a cast of ethnographers brought together for an ethnographic trial, Among Wolves transcends the limitations of writing a methods book in both content and form. The device of a play enables Timothy Pachirat to present lively, rich and multifaceted discussion of issues of positionality, reflexivity, ethics and many other challenges facing researchers using ethnographic methods. The format is exceptionally engaging, with the fact that the questions raised are rightly left unresolved, encouraging readers to reflect critically on their own approaches and roles in research. Pachirat has succeeded in showing not only how ethnography can be practised, but also in making a compelling case for why it cannot be separated from considerations of power. Among Wolves is an extremely welcome and refreshing addition to discussions of interpretive methods that adroitly illustrates Charles Taylor’s argument that “interpretation is essential to explanation” and which offers much to both students and practitioners of ethnographic methods alike.

Selection Committee:

Cai Wilkinson, chair (Deakin University)

Andrew Dilts (Loyola Marymount University)

Bernardo Zacka (MIT)