". . . dessa olika egon"

Kön och reflexivitet i Anna Birgitta Rooths L.O.-studie

Abstract

In this article the aspect of reflexivity in Anna Birgitta Rooth's study of L.O., the wife of a small farmer, and her world view is discussed (Rooth 1981). How does Rooth interpret her role as a scholar in the field? Even if not explicitly discussed, it is obvious that she is aware of the impact of gender and social background when conducting field work. However, the point of departure in the L.O.-study is another: Rooth wants to develop a new tool for source criticism. By repeated interviews she scrutinizes L.O.'s repertoire, especially her telling of memorates. By doing so she can describe the relationship between continuity and change and reveal how the context of performance influences L.O.'s storytelling.

In the latter part of the article I argue that reflexivity is not a child of the 1980's and the writing culture-school. Scholars have for a long time, probably always, been aware of the reciprocal process of influence: the ethnologist is influenced by the informant, but the informant also influences the ethnologist. However, the articulation of this insight is characteristic of the time. We often like to think of ourselves as pioneers, but we seldom are. Every period produces certain kinds of scholarly standards, methods and theories. Our own time is no exception and guided by this insight we should show our precursors our respect.