Beyond the surprise, the ethnologist grapples with her field

Nowadays, ethnologists no longer work only on so-called “exotic” cultures where everything is surprising because it is unknown, and the detachment required for the objectivity of the study can be achieved simply by cultural distance. Ethnologists also apply their science to their own societies. As this “ethnology of the familiar” develops, how can the ethnologist be surprised? How can surprise impact the construction of scientific interest? According to Anne Monjaret, research in the “field” takes shape thanks to a two-part movement: surprise (hint) and curiosity (question). Surprise appears in the game of mutual discovery between ethnologist and informant; nevertheless, it does not constitute a scientific finding. The inquiry carried out by the author on pin-ups in men’s workshops is a good illustration of this process.