Brimming with life maps, life history calendars, and extracts from transcripts and diaries, this book illustrates by example the unique principles, challenges, and applications of qualitative longitudinal research.

Synthesizing current literature on qualitative longitudinal research, it brings together sociological theory and empirically driven longitudinal studies while also highlighting a range of possible research approaches. With a consistent balance of conceptual discussions with hands-on advice, it provides readers with the foundation to adapt lessons-learned from other researchers to fit their own qualitative longitudinal studies.

Supported by research tools such as conceptual road maps, short data extracts, consent forms, and other data organization tools, this book provides everything postgraduate researchers need to transition from the classroom to the field.

About the Author
Bren Neale is Emeritus Professor of Life Course and Family Research at the University of Leeds, UK, and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. She was the director of the ESRC-funded Timescapes Study from 2007 to 2012. She has contributed to advances in Qualitative Longitudinal methods across academia, government and the voluntary sector, both in the UK and internationally, and continues to provide training and support in this methodology for new and established researchers.

Reviews

An engaging, timely and tremendously generous guide to qualitative longitudinal research. This book will be of great value to both readers already using this method and those new to the field.

-- Julia Cook

Bren is the authoritative voice of qualitative longitudinal enquiry and methods. Her accessible and engaging style is both informative and captivating and makes this text a must read.

-- Anna Tarrant
Written by a world-renowned scholar, this is a seminal text for qualitative longitudinal research. Bren Neale's wealth of experience, thought-provoking reflections and synthesis of other key studies, provides an accessible, comprehensive and timely guide for researchers, students and teachers. -- Susie Weller
Exploring social life over time opens up exciting research possibilities, Bren Neale provides a lucid and insightful guide to all aspects of qualitative longitudinal research. This engaging, informative, and readable book is gold standard. Highly recommended. -- Jane Millar

A sensitive and thorough examination of qualitative longitudinal research, Neale's volume presents the rewards, challenges, and ethical demands of researching lives and communities through time. She sets out the history and value of QL, offers a clear discussion of the necessary craft and commitment to collaboration and shared authority, and provides examples of cases that illustrate themes and strategies. A superb and authoritative history and guide.

-- Anya Peterson Royce



Book Information
ISBN 9781473995444
Author Bren Neale
Format Paperback
Page Count 456
Imprint Sage Publications Ltd
Publisher Sage Publications Ltd
Weight(grams) 790g