Qualitative methods?

[captiv8ed]

What schools are best for students who prefer qualitative methods? I am mainly interested in religion, race/class/gender, and stratification, but I would love to study these things qualitatively.

Thanks!

[focused]

Berkeley is generally considered more qualitatively-oriented. The average length of time to complete their program is also longer than other programs, as many students conduct ethnographic field research for their dissertations. However, if that is not a concern, the department has several professors who employ qualitative methods to study the substantive research areas you mentioned.

[captiv8ed]

Thanks for your reply.

I had planned to apply to Berkeley, but California's current fiscal situation is too scary for me. Especially since their biggest cuts are to lower and higher education. I not only have myself to think of, I have three kids who will be in school and my husband will have one year of undergrad left. It was scary enough to think about surviving in CA just with those obstacles and the crazy cost of housing. But now as more of the safety net is dissolving, I don't want to risk it.

[hoobers]

I think Berkeley's finances really aren't that bad as far as graduate training is concerned. The cuts are overwhelmingly affecting undergrads -- state funds essentially subsidize their education. 75% of the university budget comes from other sources (like its professional schools, grants, endowment, and unsubsidized undergrad students (e.g., non-citizens)). From what I understand, graduate students are paid from this money. The big hubbub is essentially about the fact that, if the state doesn't restore funding, undergrad tuition will have to go up a lot, or the university will have to increase its percentage of unsubsidized students.

[captiv8ed]

That is good to hear. I will look at it again.

I am just so afraid of what is going to happen to the schools. I have three kids who will be in upper elementary-middle school. Also, my husband is an undergrad and will need funding. And my husband will need a job. We have a pretty low-income, so it doesn't take much to fling us to sea in a bad way.

[focused]

Also, although the Princeton program as a whole is not particularly qualitatively-oriented, Mitchell Duneier's work seems to fit with your interests. Personally, I would not apply to a program for only one faculty member, but the program has others who specialize in inequality (though they don't necessarily do qualitative work). Perhaps you're already applying, but just thought I'd point it out.

[captiv8ed]

Princeton is at the top of my list.

I am really interested in the work Robert Wuthnow and Paul DiMaggio do, even if their methods are quantitative.

[Anonposter84]

katherine newman is also at princeton and does qual

[sa854]

Herbert Gans still teaches qual at columbia, i hear his course are excellent

Edited October 24, 2009 by sa854