Pierre Bourdieu and non-habitual decisions

A multiplicity of theoretical methodologies can be grouped together 'qualitative inquiry' and they are increasingly used in academic fields that investigate issues of personal and social life. Amongst them we find biographic investigation, narrative, cultural studies, discourse analysis and autoethnography. This list is not restricted. Among the many kinds of qualitative research we find a growing differentiation within each. None of them is monolithic. Within each, differences grow, based on different thematic fields, epistemological emphases, methodological options, ethical frames, as well as from their influence on each other. And these subfields claim their independence, a tendency that is repeated inside each sub-field. Many of them (if not all) claim a disciplinary or interdisciplinary identity as well that exceeds the methodological. Those who argue this, understand qualitative inquiry as a moment in the process of production of knowledge regarding a given phenomenon. For many of them, qualitative inquiry can even be what allows them to constitute the phenomenon in the best way possible. Others insist that a mixed approach is necessary in their research. This affects not only the social sciences. We find similar arguments in interdisciplinary spaces that are closer to the Humanities and the so-called applied disciplines. An intriguing case in particular is that of action-inquiry, whose emphasis on transformation and participation would seem to situate it inside qualitative research, though many participants think this is not so. Their position arises from reasons that are theoretic-methodological but also invokes arguments of strategy. Given what has already been said, I am convinced that Investigación Cualitativa must confess and practice an epistemological cosmopolitanism. Consider that qualitative inquiry, like any other academic field, is both an area within the cartography of knowledge and a socio-intellectual community. And of course we should recognize that qualitative research is not one but several socio-intellectual communities. At this point things are not only complex but also complicated. In effect, Investigación Cualitativa is born within one of those communities. I dare to say that it is born with the promise to promote the growth and diversification of the production of knowledge and contact amongst those who cultivate it-and cultivate themselves through it. This is the community that speaks and works in Spanish and Portuguese and meets year after year during the days of the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry (ICQI) under the name of ADISP, A Day in Spanish and Portuguese. This way, the internal distinction and external intersections of the socio-intellectual communities of qualitative inquiry rise in our case from the linguistic specificity as well as national differences. Needless to say, the provocation of writing and engaging in conversation in your own language when it is about qualitative inquiry transforms into an epistemological need, 1 PhD (c) in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. [email protected]

2016

Contextualization Pierre Bourdieu (1930-2002) developed his concept of decision-making from the context of reflexive and repetitive choices affecting the daily lives of people. This concept was grounded in ethnographic research of French and Algerian society and the individual experiential and group culture of these societies. As Bourdieu's interest was the daily lives and routines of these peoples, his theory of decision-making involved the ideas of habitus, capital and field resulting in specific and immediate practices. By nature, these decisions are habitual rather than considered and deterministic which are reflective of a complexity of thought for the resulting practice. The individual determination of a non-immediate decision to withdraw from doctoral research programs is the focus of this paper. Such withdrawal decisions can be emotional for the student and have an effect on the doctoral programs of universities that can result in the loss of student, university and soci...

All research is based on some underlying philosophical assumptions about what constitutes 'valid' research and which research method(s) is/are appropriate for the development of knowledge in a given study. In order to conduct and evaluate any research, it is therefore important to know what these assumptions are. This chapter discusses the philosophical assumptions and also the design strategies underpinning this research study. Common philosophical assumptions were reviewed and presented; the interpretive paradigm was identified for the framework of the study. In addition, the chapter discusses the research methodologies, and design used in the study including strategies, instruments, and data collection and analysis methods, while explaining the stages and processes involved in the study.

August 10 th-15 th 2024 Description This seminar focuses on qualitative research methods and their application in generating nuanced, causal narratives about social and political phenomena. Geared towards PhD students beginning their dissertation journey, the seminar provides a comprehensive introduction to qualitative research methodologies. Throughout the seminar week, participants will explore the fundamental aspects of qualitative research, from formulating initial research questions to publication. Key topics include case selection, conducting fieldwork, and data analysis. Through applied readings and group exercises, students will gain practical insights to successfully undertake qualitative research projects from inception to completion. The course is structured into three parts. The first session covers foundational issues such as selecting research questions, case studies, and ensuring ethical practices in fieldwork. The main portion of the course focuses on the conduct of fieldwork, with each session introducing specific techniques like ethnography, interviews, comparative logic, discourse analysis etc. Practical examples from empirical research in social and political sciences will be examined to illustrate these methods. The final sessions will delve into data analysis techniques including process tracing, discourse analysis, comparative historical analysis, and content analysis. The course concludes with discussions on researcher positionality and safety considerations once data collection is over. Each session is divided into two parts. The first part is lecture-style, led by the instructors, though interaction is highly encouraged. This is a preliminary syllabus. While the reading list will remain the same, it will be updated at the end of July to include exercises and further instructions.