Ethnographing the Garden

Rama Cousik
Indiana UniversityÐPurdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW)
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As I serendipitously encountered unique contexts during my dissertation research, I began to gain a deeper understanding of the families of children with disabilities who are participating. One day, I extended my work to a participantÕs garden and continued my quest. We happily dug, tilled, weeded and planted together as we talked. The process of working with the earth put us both in a relaxed and comfortable mood. I began the interview in a natural, conversational tone. Appearing to feel completely at ease, the mother began to share some of her thoughts about her child, his school and the problems with the system. 

Digging the earth
Seeking to know her well
Tilling the land
Mulling over our conversation
Weeding the earth
Airing her misgivings
Planting peppers
Sowing seeds of trust
Binding the earth
Bonding with the family
Hoping for a good harvest
Hoping to enjoy the fruits of our labor

Rama Cousik received her Ph.D. from Indiana University, Bloomington and currently works at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW).  She is an Assistant Professor in Special Education.