Qualitative Inquiry, Ahead of Print.
In this research article, I examine the thoughts why autoethnography should be considered as social study rather than as social science. I suggest that autoethnographers are comfortable with the artistic and literary turn in qualitative inquiry since it helps them illuminate and illustrate their main concerns and purposes. I conclude by selecting seven main purposes of autoethnography including what some regard as its major concern—achieving Dewey’s democratic and utopian dream.