Y. Michal Bodemann

Who is Y. Michal Bodemann?

Y. Michal Bodemann is Professor Emeritus, sociologist, and social theorist best known for his work on the German Jewry, the concept of ideological labor and his contributions to sociological praxis, in particular his interventive observation method in qualitative fieldwork. In the approach to interventive observation, Bodemann emphasizes the reciprocal nature of intervention and active participation, against the passive or neutral note taking of the observer. While Bodemann agrees that his suggestion of interventivenss still remains controversial, his theoretical foundation continues to be influential against the positivist notions of objectivity, which are still persistent in the field of sociology and in the approach to qualitative methods. His methodological approach relates to the work of Michael Burawoy and notions of public sociology. Bodemann is well known for his contributions to Jewish studies and studies of praxis. He is the author and editor of an exemplary number of books, newspaper and academic articles spanning the entirety of his academic career.