The Village in the Mind: Applying Q-Methodology to Re-Constructing Constructions of Rurality

Autor/in	Duenckmann, Florian
Titel	The Village in the Mind: Applying Q-Methodology to Re-Constructing Constructions of Rurality
Quelle	In: Journal of Rural Studies, 26 (2010) 3, S.284-295 (12 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0743-0167
DOI	10.1016/j.jrurstud.2010.01.003
Schlagwörter	Foreign Countries; Constructivism (Learning); Factor Analysis; Sociometric Techniques; Rural Development; Research Methodology; Community Attitudes; Rural Environment; Rural Population; Germany + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Ausland; Faktorenanalyse; Soziometrie; Rural environment; Development; Ländliches Milieu; Entwicklung; Research method; Forschungsmethode; Landbevölkerung; Deutschland
Abstract	In recent years rural studies have focused on the analysis of different notions of "the rural" and how they are constructed in expert discourses as well as in everyday life. Dealing empirically with such patterns of meaning, poses special challenges to social science. In this article I want to explore Q-methodology that approaches subjectivity in a particular way. Instead of beginning with the individual--as it is done in case study approaches--or with socio-demographic categories--as surveys usually do--Q-methodology attempts to put the focus of inquiry on the content of subjectivity itself, i.e. the integral views and their internal frame of reference. Q-methodology can be conceived as a hybrid of qualitative and quantitative methodology since it combines mathematical procedures like factor analysis with a genuine constructivist and interpretative approach to "reality". An example of a study in which Q-methodology was applied is presented. The aim of this analysis was to explore the different views of village development and community life that existed in a municipality of the exurban hinterland of Hamburg. As a result of this study three distinct perceptions of rurality are identified: an idyllic, a reform-oriented and an anti-conservationist view. Based on a structured comparison of these three views it is shown how Q-methodology can contribute new perspectives and insights to the debate about social representations of rurality. (Contains 3 tables.) (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10