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Innovating Ego-Network Research with Interactive Visual Tools

Supported by the BSA Social Network Analysis Group (SNAG)

20 March 2026 (1.00-2.00pm)
Online

About the Event

Are you interested in ego network research and research methods? How can we move beyond static data collection to capture the fluid 'boundary work' occurring within ego-networks?

We are thrilled to invite you to an upcoming EMCRs seminar co-hosted with the BSA Social Network Analysis Group (SNAG). We will be diving into an innovative methodological approach that combines personal network research with interactive visual tools.

Topic:  Social Categories and Boundary-Making: Exploring the Potential of Interactive Visual Tools to Study Boundary Work within Personal Networks

Presenters

  • Nuria Targarona Rifa (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)
  • Louise Ryan (London Metropolitan University)
  • Alejandro Ciordia (Maastricht University and Scuola Normale Superiore)

Read the Paper

This seminar is based on a recent article published in Sociological Research Online. Access the full article here.

Abstract

Research on categorisation and boundary work has often focused on how institutional actors draw boundaries between groups of individuals, overlooking how individuals informally contest or reinforce these boundaries and categories.

We make the case for new interactive qualitative data collection strategies to inductively explore social categorisation and boundary-making processes within personal networks, bringing together the potential of visualisation and personal network research. We introduce an innovative methodological procedure for in-depth interviewing that consists of asking participants to report on specific network members while using two novel interactive visual tools displayed on electronic devices. By discussing examples from our research, we illustrate the method’s potential in the data collection and analysis stages and highlight the technical, methodological, and conceptual contributions it can make to the study of social boundaries.

Registration

This event is free to attend but registration is required.  Once you sign up, you will automatically receive a calendar invitation and the Zoom link for the session.