Available online
Description
This is the first of two programmes about the anthropological work of Drs. John and Marie Corbin in Southern Spain. The Corbins first worked in the region in 1966 and returned there in 1977, and 19...79 when this programme was filmed. One main focus of the Corbins' research has been on social changes which have affected the lives of the people of Ronda in Andalusia. They describe changes in the physical layout of the town - new buildings replacing old - reflecting social changes in the sources of power and influence. Houses are still looked at not just as places to live in but as a source of an individual's identity and honour. The Corbins describe and are seen doing their research, involving mainly participant observation but some more formal interviewing as well.
This is the first of two programmes about the anthropological work of Drs. John and Marie Corbin in Southern Spain. The Corbins first worked in the region in 1966 and returned there in 1977, and 19...79 when this programme was filmed. One main focus of the Corbins' research has been on social changes which have affected the lives of the people of Ronda in Andalusia. They describe changes in the physical layout of the town - new buildings replacing old - reflecting social changes in the sources of power and influence. Houses are still looked at not just as places to live in but as a source of an individual's identity and honour. The Corbins describe and are seen doing their research, involving mainly participant observation but some more formal interviewing as well.
| Module code and title: | D207, An introduction to sociology |
|---|---|
| Item code: | D207; 13 |
| First transmission date: | 09-08-1981 |
| Published: | 1981 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:10 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Claire Falkner |
| Contributors: | John Corbin; Marie Corbin; Alan Watson; Frances Watson; Catalina Cordon Moreno; Rosamari Lasairo Fernandez; Paco Pena |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Anthropology; Sociology; Spain |
| Footage description: | Over shots of countryside and Spanish street scenes John Corbin describes the origins of the research. Shots of Ronda. Driving towards the town John and Marie Corbin describe their apprehensions when they first arrived and their uncertainty about using classical anthropological techniques in such a large town. John Corbin is shown talking to a local landowner, Paco Pena. In voiceover John describes how an anthropologist must learn from the people he is studying. Shots of the town centre and surrounding countryside. John Corbin describes the cultural significance of space in Andalusian society and the relationship between town and country. Shots of three sections of the town, the South or Barrio, the Centro Cuidad, and the little market, Mercadillo. Shots of building sites, new blocks of flats and the influential local Savings Bank. John describes the social significance of these developments in the town. John now points out the distinctions which are made within the town between the house and the street. Shots of houses and doorways. John is shown going into the house of Pace Pena, and being shown around. John argues that the house is the most important source of an individual's identity and honour. Shots of John and Marie talking in a courtyard with Spanish friends. John explains that people are careful about who they let into their homes because honour depends upon correct behaviour being seen to be carried out. Shots of neighbours on the street and flats in the area. Market scenes. Marie Corbin talks to Frances Watson, the English wife of a Spanish landowner, about women's life in Ronda and how it has changed over recent years. Shots of Marie at the local stock fair. Marie talks about the advantages and difficulties of being a female anthropologist in a male dominated society. Shots of women shopping. Marie describes shopping patterns and how they are changing. Shots of market stalls and a supermarket. Shots of John and Marie drinking at a social gathering. John talks about the techniques used in participant observation. Shots of the Corbins at the stock fair. John describes the need for a framework in which to place observations and the need to write things out. John and Marie are shown at home writing up their views of the stock fair. Marie Corbin is shown at the house of a friend. She describes some of the more formal techniques she has used to consolidate information gained through observation. As an example of these methods she is shown conducting a structured interview with a Spanish woman, asking her about her attitudes towards her children. Shots of the Corbins drinking in a bar. Marie Corbin argues that acceptance by the local people is the single most important factor in their research. |
| Production number: | FOUD059Y |
| Videofinder number: | 43 |
| Available to public: | no |
