The Future of Autoethnographic Criteria

Abstract

Recently Szwabowski argued that we should not have any criteria by which to judge, evaluate, or review autoethnographic texts. While there are dangers of conformity whenever criteria are utilized, criteria can also act as a guide. Here, I cover the autoethnography triad of auto-, ethno-, and -graphy as the three main criteria for a work to be considered autoethnographic. I argue that criteria do not necessitate exclusion nor does it necessarily end dialogue. Criteria can act as a way to guide and edify the voices of future autoethnographers, including those who are working in different mediums such as animation, film, and photography.