Final answer:
Ethnographic research is an in-depth study of a specific cultural group from an insider's perspective, whereas cross-cultural studies analyze differences across multiple cultures, focusing on broader insights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between ethnographic and cross-cultural approaches lies in their scope and method of research within cultural studies. Ethnographic research typically involves an in-depth study of a single cultural group or community. It requires the researcher to spend a significant amount of time observing and interacting with the subjects in their social setting to understand their cultural norms, behaviors, and perspectives. Ethnographers aim to gain insight from an emic perspective, which is the insider's view, avoiding ethnocentrism by adopting cultural relativism.
On the other hand, cross-cultural studies compare and contrast different cultural groups, focusing on the variations and commonalities across cultures. Researchers in this approach analyze cultural differences in a broader context, fostering empathy and dialogue between different communities. This comparative analysis can lead to transformative insights into global issues like sexuality, family, and race, and requires a variety of innovative methods to address historical and power dynamics.
It's important to note that while ethnography can be a component of cross-cultural research, it is distinct in its immersive, detailed focus on one group or setting. However, both approaches are important in cultural anthropology, and many researchers use elements of both to create 'good enough ethnography' that is ethical and collaborative.