Explores the relationship of ethnographic narrative as it is affected by realist narratives in novels, movies, television, and the virtual reality of computer technology. Applying a blend of feminist theory, psychoanalysis, poststructural criticism, Marxist cultural studies, and science studies, the author explores the oedipal subtext of narrative and asks whether it is possible to do truly feminist ethnography. Her points are illustrated with critical readings of the work of Herbert Blumer, Howard Becker, Erving Goffman, and Toni Morrison. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.