Ethnography Of Walmart

892 Words2 Pages

The goal for my ethnographic study is subjected to the study of the people of Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is a place that varies from city to city, but still attracts many of the same people. Everyone knows the weird people that wear ridiculous things to do their normal routine of shopping. That is why I have chosen to do my mini ethnography one day while shopping as an insider at the local Wal-Mart in Auburn, Alabama. Wal-Mart is a large center for shopping that attracts many different types of people, while creating an environment within itself.

I woke up one morning in the need of some groceries because I ran out of eggs to make breakfast. I also realized that I needed ink cartridges, glue for a project, and a video game that I wanted; materials that normal grocery stores wouldn’t sell. Wal-Mart is the typical superstore where you can get almost anything. So I figured what better place to get all of these items at a good price than to go to Wal-Mart.

Before I went to Wal-Mart, I made a list of some characteristics I should be looking for. I began to question certain aspects that are common at Wal-Mart, like what will the average age group be? How many students? What range of race will be there? All of these questions went through my mind pre-ethnography.

I walked into the front of the store to see a crowd of people searching for a good grocery cart. One that wouldn’t wobble every second that you pushed it. I took a look at many of the faces as they were beginning or ending their shopping experience. The people walking in looking for a cart seemed unsure or not pleased to be there in the first place. While the people leaving looked happy and eager to get home. I took this as a clear sign that this was not the most enjoyable place to ...

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..., there were also many aspects that all of these Wal-Mart shoppers shared. Mostly everyone dreaded the loud and obnoxious carts as they were walking into the store. And mostly everyone hated how Wal-Mart only had five of their twenty registers open. This caused the buildup of large lines for which people would wait to buy their items. The people in a hurry did not take this lightly. While the shoppers who weren’t in a hurry took this time to read the magazines and check out the candy options.

This mini-ethnography has taught me to look at people in a completely different way. It has opened my mind to a whole new view of how people interact and carry on their daily lives. I have found that the people of Wal-Mart can vary greatly although everyone is there for the same reason. Wal-Mart has become a place that supports many people no matter what race, size, or gender.

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