Vol. 52 No. 1 (2025): Methods in Contemporary Ethnology

Ethnologia Fennica 1/25 is the first of two issues that focus on tools and methods in ethnology and related disciplines. Carrying out empirical research requires the deliberate use of methodological tools. However, even well-established methods and premeditated approaches can lead to unexpected situations that call for researchers to make their own decisions. The perpetual discussions revolving methodologies are still necessary and offer new kinds of perspectives  to contemporary research practices. This year's issues are connected by the question of what constitutes ethnological research in the 2020s, and which methods are used to create ethnological knowledge.

This first issue contains four research articles introducing new, innovative fieldwork methods, discussing the use of creative and participatory approaches and digital tools, and examining established methods and theories from new perspectives. In addition, this issue includes a review article examining the various aspects of everyday creativity, which is a fundamental skill for any researcher, as well as three conference reports. This issue is dedicated to our beloved and greatly missed colleague Jenni Rinne, whose life and work within the field of ethnology has been reminisced in a thoughtful obituary.