Using Biographical Methods in Social Research by Merrill, Barbara -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Page Title Page Copyright Page Contents Acknowledgements 1 Introduction: Setting the Scene

Overview A turn Bringing us into the text Barbara Linden A question of terms and cross-cultural perspectives Opposition Who is the book for? The structure of the book Key points Further reading Discussion questions Activities

2 Biographical Methods: An Introductory History

Overview Introduction The biographical turn Oral traditions and history The French Revolution: a case study A strong movement Oral history and feminism Enter the Chicago School of sociology The Jack Roller A decline, but keeping the spirit alive More recent times – and some questions Enter feminism Auto/biography Critical theory and post-structuralism Psychology Education and the study of adult learning Looking forward Key points Further reading Discussion questions Activities

3 Mapping the Contemporary Uses of Biographical Research

Overview All biographers now Moving to particulars Mapping the territory Biographical research in sociology and social policy Eastern Europe Truth and reconciliation Caring, carers and families Families and pearls Sure Start Crime Biography, health studies and health care professionals Nurses and nursing Biographical research, teachers and lifelong learning Radical territory Biographies and community development Interdisciplinarity Key points Further reading Discussion questions

4 Identifying Some Theoretical Issues

Overview Introduction Barbara’s approach

George Herbert Mead Moving on Feminism Critical theory

Linden’s approach

Connecting inner and outer worlds Things shared Transitional processes Gendered subjectivities Doctor’s biographies

A critical note Developing a categorisation Conclusion Key points Further reading Discussion questions Activities

5 Illustrating Good Practice: Case Studies

Overview Families and their interactions with agencies New Labour The method Sure Start: a sustaining space? Working and learning in the inner city Crisis and an epiphany Learning to be a teacher

Rupal

Class, gender, ethnicity and learning in higher education Gender, class and biographical approaches

Paula Mark

Making connections Key points Further reading Discussion questions

6 Getting Started in Research

Overview Introduction What to research? The role of the self in choosing a topic Identifying research questions and the research process Choosing a sample Sampling: troubling to students

Opportunistic sampling Criterion, theoretical, purposeful/purposive sampling Snowball sampling

Preparing yourself for undertaking interviews Conclusion Key points Further reading Discussion questions Activities

7 Interviewing and Recording Experience

Overview A creative act On description and using the moment The contribution of feminist research and the positioning of the researcher Only women? Psychoanalytic perspectives Differing approaches to interviews The interview as transitional space Starting Finishing an interview Practising, using recorders and transcribing Being a good enough biographical interviewer Key points Further reading Discussion questions Activities

8 Making Sense of Biography: Analysis

Overview Introduction Humanistic and subjectivist approaches to analysis Barbara’s approach to analysis

Coding

Linden’s approach to analysis

Using and developing a proforma

Other ways of analysing biographical narratives Grounded theory ‘Objectivist’ approaches Computer-based analysis Conclusion Key points Further reading Discussion questions Activities

9 Representing the Stories: Writing Up

Overview Introduction Dissolving boundaries? Creative writing Faction Examples of good biographical writing Writing and the self Choices and other matters How many cases? Textual poachers Starting to write Who is my audience? Making time, finding space Writing: a problem rarely discussed Summary Key points Further reading Discussion questions Activities

10 Is Biographical Research Valid and Ethical?

Overview Validity History and validity Conventional views Family matters Humanism, validity and its meanings The importance of ethics Thinking further about ethics Ethical guidelines Informed consent Confidentiality, privacy and intimacy Power relationships Covert action Biographical research and therapy Summary Key points Further reading Discussion questions Activities

11 On Being a Biographical Researcher

Overview A research family: relatives, near and distant Feminism and intersubjectivity Transitional space and two orders of social research The particular and the general Theory and empiricism Theory and subjectivity Disciplinarity and interdisciplinarity Being a researcher: learning the practice and living the life Wider concerns and social policy Back to the future Key points Discussion questions

Glossary References Index