Inside Out: Narrative Autoethnography as a Path Toward Rapport

This article addresses the connection of rapport and autoethnography. Focusing on her own ethnographic work, the author explores how including her own stories in her ethnographies complexifies the narratives told about the field and increases rapport between her and her participants. The author addresses the benefits and ethical implications of this method, using descriptions and examples not only from her work but from work others have done. The author’s hope is to show not only how an autoethnographic method allows her to be more empathic toward those engaged in her study but also how sharing her stories with her field participants fosters their openness as well.