The next seminar in the Biographies and Trajectories Cycle takes place on May 23, starting at 4pm, with the theme “Bridging Stories and Systems: Rethinking Biographical Methods in Global Development”.

In this session we welcome researcher Marta Eichsteller from University College Dublin.

The event takes place exclusively online.

Link ZOOM

https://videoconf-colibri.zoom.us/j/95424535044

Abstract

Biographical research methods have gained increasing prominence in development studies, offering rich, contextualised insights into economic transformation, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. This presentation explores the creative applications and methodological advancements of biographical research, particularly in interdisciplinary, international, and large-N studies. At the heart of this discussion lies the life-history interview (LHI)—a tool that captures individual trajectories and structural inequalities in developing societies. While traditionally employed to illustrate development trends, this research advocates for its expanded role in shaping policy, enriching interdisciplinary inquiry, and decolonising research practices. By integrating biographical narratives with quantitative frameworks, we can bridge the gap between statistical analysis and lived experiences, thereby offering a more nuanced understanding of poverty dynamics and economic resilience. The presentation further explores key methodological challenges and innovations. These encompass cross-country comparability, coding consistency, and the integration of AI-assisted analysis tools such as NVivo and GPT-driven text analysis. Moreover, it underscores the ethical and collaborative dimensions of biographical research, particularly in post-colonial contexts where researcher positionality and local knowledge production remain pressing concerns. The findings highlight the potential of biographical methods in longitudinal poverty studies, policy impact assessments, and grassroots economic transformations. By capturing complex trade-offs—such as those between industrialisation and sustainability or economic diversification and social justice—biographical research offers a human-centred perspective on global development challenges. Ultimately, this presentation advocates for repositioning biographical methods within the development research paradigm, emphasising their role in evidence-based policymaking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical knowledge production. Through methodological innovation and broader application, biographical research can become a transformative tool for understanding and addressing the multifaceted realities of development.

Marta Eichsteller is an Assistant Professor in Sociology at University College Dublin, specialising in the qualitative exploration of social inequalities spanning local, national, and global contexts. With a wealth of experience, she has conducted impactful projects, from dissecting local civil society engagement in the UK to unravelling European identities and the persistent fight against poverty in African and Asian regions. Marta's distinctive focus on biographical aspects of social transformation lends depth to her work, offering profound insights into the human stories behind societal shifts. Her expertise enriches the field of social inquiry, contributing to a deeper understanding of the intricacies of chronic poverty dynamics, social inclusion, and sustainability.