ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author examines the nature of participant observation, ground a theory of embodiment experience in the data collected, whilst suggesting how participant observation can aid research about body practice and experience and contribute to the sociological literature on the body. Upon reading much of the sociological literature on embodiment two main issues become apparent. First is that many theorists categorise the body into 'types'. The second issue that arises from the embodiment literature is that different theorists appear to be in disagreement with each other. Participant observation can be an invaluable method since it allows for considered personal experience, observation and conversation of other people's embodiment experiences. Text books offer guidance about conducting participant observation, including issues such as informed consent, overt research and different researcher roles. However, in the fetish club field, participant observation issues can be far muddier than textbooks suggest.
