Reflections on Fieldwork in Morocco

Identify scenes from the text in which Rabinow is aware of his Otherness. Could he have behaved differently in these situations to increase his level of understanding? If not, what prevented him from bridging the cultural divide?

Pick two or three informants from the book and compare the work they do with Rabinow. How do their personal motivations and life stations reflect in the information they do/don’t provide?

Do you agree with Rabinow that anthropology is a humanity, not a science? Why or why not?

Rabinow’s visit happened at a very specific time in Moroccan history, the decade just after the French Protectorate was dismantled. How might his work have been different if he had visited a few decades earlier?

Is Rabinow’s choice to study in a heavily colonized country a deliberate one? How might this book have been different if it had been centered in an area with less direct European influence?

The inability to transcend his perceived identity as a Christian man is central to Rabinow’s thesis that anthropology cannot be treated as a hard science. Would his process of data collection have been easier if he had been Muslim or harder if he had been a woman? Why or why not?

Identify a ritual that you consider to be a part of your own culture. This could be a holiday or other celebration, a popular sport, a traditional song or dance, or something else. Imagine an anthropologist has asked to view this practice, and you are their local informant. They do not share your cultural background, are just learning your language, and are unfamiliar with the intricacies of your society. How might the anthropologist misinterpret this cultural practice? How would you inform them about it? Is Rabinow correct that complete shared understanding between anthropologist and informant is impossible?

How has anthropology changed or not changed since Reflections on Fieldwork in Morocco was published?

What world culture would you like to study and why? How might the issues raised in this book affect your studies?