Life history mapping

Exploring journeys into and through housing and homelessness

Bibliographic Data

ID2404201
AuthorsJan Flaherty (0000-0003-0959-9518, King's College London), Elisabeth A Garratt (0000-0001-5974-4141, Sheffield Methods Institute, The University of Sheffield, UK, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume23
Issue5
Pages1222-1243
Publication date2023-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1468-7941 • E-ISSN: 1741-3109
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/14687941211072788
OpenAlexW4221135813
LanguageEN
Citations received15
References cited34

This article illustrates the value of in-depth life history interviews using life mapping in qualitative research. We draw on our recent research into people's experiences of homelessness, where all 39 participants were currently, or recently, homeless. Using the life mapping method, participants generated a visual representation of their transitions across housing and homelessness, beginning in childhood and ending in the present day. We critically discuss the potential for life mapping to move beyond rehearsed stories, briefly note further associated benefits, and acknowledge some potential drawbacks. We argue that the method can confer considerable depth and reflection, going beyond a traditional qualitative interview, and is especially valuable when examining sensitive topics

Cognitive science · Critical reflection · Life history · Pedagogy · Political science · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Visual methods · Computer Science · Gender Studies · Homelessness and Social Issues · Participatory Visual Research Methods · Psychology · Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access