Abstract
This paper examines the use of qualitative methodology in the sociology classroom by demonstrating the use of photographs and music in teaching the human element of social change. The authors maintain that traditionally only one side of social change is taught to the students; the objective view with facts and figures. By adding the other side of social change, the subjective view, the students are better able to appreciate the significance of the larger social change process. The authors maintain that photographs and music best relay the subjective view to the class. By using the modernization of American society as an example, the authors proceed to identify specific pictures and music which they feel most accurately depict this view of social change. A detailed description of their selection process is also presented.
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An earlier draft of this paper, “The Changing Face and Sound of Work,” was presented with slides and music at the 1978 Meeting of the Midwest Sociological Society.
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Hraba, J., Powers, E., Woodman, W. et al. Social change through photographs and music: A qualitative method for teaching. Qual Sociol 3, 123–135 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00987267
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00987267