about .
Biographical research has a long tradition in the social sciences, and in sociology in particular, to study the social and singular constitution of individuals, focusing on their practices, representations, contexts and trajectories (in general terms or in specific dimensions of life) in a diachronic perspective. The use of this type of approach is, one one hand, based on the contributions of previous research and reflections. But that does not mean, on the other hand, that we find in more recent works a mere reproduction of consolidated procedures, methods and analytical processes. The experience and knowledge accumulated in the study of life pathways have been enriched by emerging trends (theoretical, methodological, epistemological) that introduce new perspectives and research challenges. Important bridges are also being made with the perspective of the life course and with the principle of methodological pluralism that characterizes it. What we propose to do is precisely to combine tradition and innovation in a dialogue between specialists and people interested in the topics of biographies and life course.
These series of seminars have the following main goals:
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to make the work of national and international researchers who use a biographical approach and/or life course methodologies known;
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to disseminate elements of innovation and creativity in biographical research;
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promote dialogue between research traditions and emerging trends in these areas;
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stimulate reflection on the processes of collecting, building and interpreting biographical accounts and calendars;
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establish research networks within the scope of the study of biographies, life paths and social trajectories.
Organization : Magda Nico and Ana Caetano
Institutional hosting : Center for Research and Studies in Sociology (CIES-IUL) , from ISCTE-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa