(Refer to Checklist, Fig. 3.1, pg. 51)

Simple, Practical Steps For Field Work:

• Selecting a program of study
• Selecting a field of specialization.
• Writing a research proposal and getting it funded.
• Making plans to leave for the field site.
• Developing a strategy for entering the community.
• Ensuring physical and psychological survival.
• Combating spy rumors, and other political problems.

Methodological Steps

• Specifying a theoretical framework: at least an initial taxonomy to relate facts to theory
• Establishing rapport
• Becoming a participant-observer
• Doing active research
• Remembering ethics and personal responsibility
• Writing up findings: masters essay, doctoral thesis, articles, book(s)

The Natural History Method And Theoretical Frameworks

1. Isolating a field for study (holism)
2. Taxonomy: charting interrelationships of phenomena observed within the field & classifying:
3. redefining (new or refined taxonomy) and validating the interrelationships
4. making statements of theory, (order, probability, limits, patterns and law)

Example From Alotenango

Step One, Holism

1. Finca Capetillo & Other Fincas
2. Indian Pueblo
3. Whole Municipio Community

Step Two: Taxonomy 1

1. The Plantation System:
2. The Indian Pueblo
3. The Ladinos
4. Nation-State And Schooling

Step Three: Taxonomy 2 (Redefining)

1. Hacienda-Plantation-Central Continuum (for Fincas)
2. Dynamics Of The Life Cycle & Career
3. Indian Households: Children Growing Up, Indian Women, Moving Through Patrilineal, Patrilocal Household
   1. Male Cargo System
   2. Discovery Of Initiation Rites: Ministril Induction On New Year's Day
   3. Ladinos: Patron-Client Relationship In 5 Status Scaling, Within Double (Urban/Local) Patrician/Plebeian Framework
   4. Schooling: Legal Rational Ideology & Practice Within Context Of Nation-Building
   5. Voluntary Classes: Godfather/Godchild Model (Stereotyped, Ritualized Patron/Client Model For Indians, No "Friendship" As Among Ladinos)

Step Four: Theoretical Statement (conclusion)

1. There is an neasy articulation of three cultural models (Indian, Ladino, National & Legal Rational [schools & plantations] in one community.
2. This theory is descriptive, relational, and haltingly predictive