The ethnographic conceptual framework examines group classifications and relationships and their effects on individuals. These classifications can represent a variety of groups ranging from people of different ethnic backgrounds to nurses from different units. There are advantages and disadvantages to grouping people together and classifying their actions; there is a risk of stereotyping people, but there is also the opportunity to better understand an individual. In this article, I will explore the strengths and weaknesses of using the ethnographic conceptual framework by investigating applications of this framework. There are many positive aspects to using an ethnographic conceptual lens. The objective examines how social interactions influence various events. As social beings, culture and social groups certainly play a role in our lives and therefore there is a need for a better understanding of ethnography. In health care, a good understanding of a person's culture can provide nurses with valuable information about their patient's worldview. Becker (2007) examined the classification of eating disorders through an ethnographic approach and discovered the profound effects of not considering a person's cultural background. In his research, he examines the universally accepted definitions of eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It identified areas where the DSM is not culturally appropriate, for example previous research showing how the lack of "fat phobia" in Hong Kong patients led to them being misclassified as not suffering from eating disorders (Lee, Kwok, Liau & Leung, 2002, cited in Becker, 2007). Becker suggests that lack of cultural appreciation...... middle of paper ...... with full-text database. Becker, A. (2007, November 2). Classification of cultural and eating disorders. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 40, S111-6. Retrieved June 19, 2008 from CINAHL with full-text database. Centeno, J., Anderson, R., Restrepo, M., Jacobson, P., Guendouzi, J., Müller, N., et al. (July 17, 2007). Ethnographic and sociolinguistic aspects of communication: research-practice relationships. Leader ASHA, 12(9), 12-15. Retrieved June 19, 2008 from CINAHL with full-text database. Clabo, L. (March 2008). An ethnography of pain assessment and the role of social context in two postoperative units. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 61(5), 531-539. Retrieved June 19, 2008 from CINAHL with full-text database. Gutiérrez, K.D., Rogoff, B. (2002). Cultural modes of learning: individual traits or repertoires of practice. Educational researcher. 32(5), 19-25.