Qualitative Methods in Use: Some Examples

The studies summarised below use a variety of 'qualitative' methods, from interviews and focus groups to ethnomethodological/CA techniques. Many demonstrate the main benefit ( in my view) of using qualitative  approaches based on the recovery of subjective meaning -- they tell us about other worlds.

Atkinson J. and Heritage  J. (a collection of ethno/CA pieces -- eg telephone conversations, how speakers generate aplause)
Bourdieu, P. (ethnographic study of Algerian workers)
Collins, L. (how feminists cope with the sexism of conventional aerobics)
Elling, A., De Knop, P., and Knoppers, A (interview-based study of gays and the problems they face with integrating in sports clubs)
Garfinkel, H. (the famous study of Agnes the transexual)
Goffman. E. (on stigma and how the stigmatised deal with it)
Grogan, S. and Richards, H. (on male body images and focus groups)
Holland, B.  (an ethnographic observation of racism at football matches, with some interviews with black players)
Kivell, P. and Kleiber, D. (insightful interviews with gay and lesbian leisure participants)
Labelling theory (a file on some famous approaches in deviancy theory)
Noy, C  (analysis of Israeli backpackers describing their experiences -- also develops the use of narratives as a technique)
Pitts, V.  (on female body scarifiers)
Sassatelli, R. (Goffman visits the gym and notes the interactions between the users)
Shaw, S. (a study of the impact of pornography on the lives of wives of users)
Stoller, P  (an ethnographic study of African street traders in New York)
Thomsen, S., Straubhaar J., Bolyard, D. (pioneers some ethnomethodological techniques for researching the Net)
Wacquant, L.  (first study of professional boxers and their world)
Wacquant, L. (second study of boxers)
Willis, P. (on 'the lads' and how they cope with schooling by 'having a laff')

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