What is the main focus of ethnomethodology?

Ethnomethodology primarily seeks to understand how individuals make sense of their everyday lives and the social norms that govern interactions. The approach emphasizes the importance of exploring and sometimes violating social norms to observe the reactions that follow, which reveals insights into the underlying structures and frameworks that guide social behavior. By intentionally disrupting these norms, researchers can gain a clearer understanding of how people construct meaning and organize their social world.

This method is significant as it highlights the often-unnoticed rules that shape everyday life, demonstrating how people navigate social situations and respond to deviations. Through this lens, ethnomethodology provides a unique perspective on social order and the processes by which it is maintained, even when norms are challenged.