Observational Methodology and Ecological Economics

In this autoethnography, I will reflect on how qualitative camp started a process toward understanding the role and evolution of my pre-understanding in creating a consistent methodological framework for my thesis. I wrote my PhD within Ecological Economics, and my inspiration was drawn from (Ingebrigtsen, S., & Jakobsen, O., Circulation economics theory and practice. Peter Lang, 2007) claim that; values pushed forward by the economization of the society, displace fundamental values within nature and culture. The same was also put forward by central figures within Norwegian outdoor life (friluftsliv), as they find that the traditional and frugal culture was about to change from a frugal activity in accordance with nature to an alienated consumer culture. Both these perspectives are based on normative values. My challenge was that I had already implemented a synthesis of ecological economics and friluftsliv in my own ontology. At Q-camp this understanding was challenged. I had to dig deeper into the ontological and epistemological foundations. This led to an interpretative process in two stages; one focusing on whether traditional values was displaced in peoples mind, and one focusing on whether there was a gap between the stated values and the actual practice. This became fundamental for finishing the thesis.