Life stories: analysis of subjectivity at the center of research Historias de vida: el análisis de la subjetividad en el centro de la investigación

Abstract

The objective of this article is to present a series of methodological and practical reflections on life histories. On the one hand, the general characteristics of life stories will be exposed and the types of research that are useful will be emphasized. On the other hand, some practical observations on the use of this technique will be offered. And finally, within the complexity of the interpretation of life histories, various explanations will be offered through a practical example.

In general, the purpose of this text has been to create material for use as a guide, as well as to use it as a methodological reflection and for practical use. The prominence of written documents as a source of research and the mistrust of the positivist approach to the subjective have made the field of oral sources fade away. This has also created gaps in the methodological work and this work aims to contribute to this field, above all, to the lack of material in Euskera. Furthermore, there are still some misunderstandings and dubious practices regarding the interpretation and analysis of oral sources, which permanent reflection is considered essential. To achieve this, those of us who have experience in the use of life histories must expose the difficulties of interpreting the text in relation to a practical example, believing that the exchange of our practical experiences is enriching. Other practical examples and a series of advice that can help the initiates are presented throughout the text and are open to reflection and methodological debate.