Wheeling and Dealing: Ethnography

Wheeling and Dealing: An Ethnography of an Upper-Level Drug Dealing and Smuggling Community

Patricia Adler and her husband carried out a very risky ethnography of an upper-level drug community known primarily for large amounts of drug dealing and smuggling. In doing so they put their own lives at risk by studying such a sensitive topic. However, they were able to carry out a study that produced results that were new and informative, especially compared to previous studies done on lower levels of drug use and selling.
Adler and her husband began their study after observing and interacting with their neighbor, who they shared a common interest of smoking pot with. After spending a lot of time with him and other key informants involved in the smuggling trade, gaining rapport, Adler saw a prime opportunity to begin her study, receiving open approval from these few subjects. However, there was still great risk for both Adler and her husband, as they were putting their liv...