International Perspectives on the Future of Qualitative Research in Europe

Over the past decades, Qualitative Research has repositioned itself within the discipline of sociology. Today, a large variety of Qualitative Methods is used in a broad range of research areas. There is no doubt that they have succeeded in overcoming their marginalization, and it can even be claimed that Qualitative Research has attained a somehow privileged position. Presently, we can witness a growing number of scientific contributions to a large variety of fields and specialties based in Qualitative Research; there are numerous sessions, workshops and conferences each year, not only in Europe but globally, and scientific associations and research networks dedicated to Qualitative Research are quickly growing. Moreover, the emergence of several high-impacts journals and the institutional expansion of chairs, readers, and other permanent university positions with this specification evidently reflect that Qualitative Research has, indeed, become established.