Biographical Life Course Research
Description
This open access book explores an approach that connects individual and societal processes throughout history and shifting trends in sociological perspectives, influenced by C. Wright Mills' theories of time and temporality. It traces its origins from American pragmatist thought and Chicago qualitative sociology in the early 20th century to the revival of biographical research in European and American sociology during the 1970s. The book shows empirical studies from this vibrant research approach can bridge methodological gaps between qualitative and quantitative biographical studies, applicable to various topics like class, gender, ethnicity, and intergenerational dimensions.
Reviews / Votes
"Biographical Life Course Research provides a fascinating comparative/historical account of the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of life course study, from the Chicago School to contemporary debates surrounding structure and agency, postmodern individualism, and the "cultural turn" in biographical research. Insightfully, Nilsen details how growing recognition of the gendered character of life courses has enhanced understanding of history and biography." (Jeylan Mortime r, University of Minnesota, USA)
"Ann Nilsen has spent a career thinking deeply about biographical research and in this clear and accessible volume we receive the fruits of her scholarship. She weaves together a vital account of the place of biographical research within the history of sociology with a clear analysis of key concepts and the challenge and promise of the approach. She also showcases her own influential contribution to the field and provides a map of essential authors and their works. This is the ideal volume for teaching biographical and life course research methods, and will be essential reading for students wishing to use this powerful approach in their own studies. Finally, it is provides a blue print for how we might forge better connections between qualitative and quantitative approaches to research, using biographical methods to address the great challenges of our times including growing inequality and climate disaster." (Rachel Thomson, University of Sussex, UK)