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The Use of the Talmudic Format for the Presentation of Qualitative Research
Author(s) -
Rodgers Diane M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
symbolic interaction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.874
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1533-8665
pISSN - 0195-6086
DOI - 10.1525/si.2009.32.3.260
Subject(s) - talmud , narrative , argumentation theory , presentation (obstetrics) , ideal (ethics) , reading (process) , representation (politics) , qualitative research , judaism , sociology , epistemology , linguistics , philosophy , social science , law , theology , politics , political science , medicine , radiology
In this article, I propose to adapt the Talmud, a Jewish religious text, for the written representation of qualitative research. The form and the style of argumentation in and engendered by the Talmud can be adapted to present qualitative methods in a way that transcends the limitations of conventional formats. In addition, this format requires even greater participation in the act of reading. Because the Talmudic format uniquely addresses the difficulties involved in representing everyday life, I argue that adapting the format of the Talmud is ideal for giving voice, for presenting multiple and competing narratives alongside documents, and for further problematizing any simple notion of truth and authority.