Walking in your footsteps: using qualitative methods in whole network analysis

This chapter introduces the readers to social network analysis (SNA), specifically to qualitative whole network research. It explains what SNA is, why we need to use it, how it differs from other classic quantitative and qualitative methods, and how we can generalize from whole networks’ case studies. It provides detailed instructions on how to use qualitative methods to collect SNA data and understand the subjective and collective meanings of relationships’ patterns and of networks’ mechanisms. Empirical examples from social movement studies, criminal networks, epidemiological and public health studies, and cultural studies are provided to exemplify how to conduct qualitative whole network research, as well as its advantages and limits.