SumBlog11

           Dorothy Smith was an important social thinker who came up with the ideas of Standpoint theory and "Bifuricated Consciousness." Both of these have helped the field in understanding sociology itself and how we collect and interpret data. Standpoint theory says that we can better understand a situation, group or culture by immersing ourselves in it. Instead of researchers looking outwardly, they can get better insight when part of the culture over an extended time. Nuances are seen; deeper meaning derived. Smith says that even gender is a culture on its own which can be misunderstood in an androcentric world. Woman's standpoint theory posits that it can be advantageous for women to give insight since women are a minority and see things as they really are (as opposed to a man in an androcentric culture.)
          This kind of ethnographic approach could be applied when we look at women in power positions in the workforce. There seems to be a double-standard for how women and man should act in their top position. 98% of CEOs are men - in this domination, it would be useful to use women's standpoint theory to better understand the culture 1) from a woman's perspective and 2) when the CEO is a woman.  One powerful woman comes to mind - Anna Wintour.
         Anna Wintour is the Editor-in-Chief at American Vogue; however, she is more than that. She is so influential that people have said all trends in fashion originate with her. She dictates every seasons' fabrics, colors, hemlines and accessories. Top designers at fashion houses have said that a simple purse of her lips at your fashion show means you're out of business. She is THE authority on fashion. There is even a mainstream movie supposedly based on her: The Devil Wears Prada. That being said, she has a reputation for being an "ice queen." She doesn't often offer hints to her personal life or do in-depth personal interviews. This makes me think that a proper ethnographic study of her would provide a better understanding of the culture she's in. I think we could grasp more about her identity. Here is more about her and trying to understand her as powerful CEO and as a woman in the fashion industry: