How to Study Social Life

Finally—a social research methods book that will make you eager to dive into fieldwork! With humour, wisdom, and a healthy dose of curiosity, Russell and Alan are the ultimate companions for your research adventure. From the first spark of an idea to the final write-up, this book is jam-packed with practical tips, surprising insights, and real-world examples that break down every barrier—including the ones no one else talks about! Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, this is the game-changing methods guide you′ve been waiting for! -- Professor David Bissell

This book has a delightful, informal style that immediately draws readers in while providing detailed guidance based on extensive experience. Evidently rigorous and thoroughly tested, the authors are also deeply motivated by the fact that doing social research is fun!

-- Professor Cecily Maller
Russell Hitchings and Alan Latham have produced a wonderfully original guide to the craft and adventure of studying social life. Animated by the authors’ shared expertise in and palpable enthusiasm for social research, this generous book is full of practical wisdom about how such research works and why it is so important. Written with exceptional clarity, How to Study Social Life is an essential and engaging companion for anyone learning about and teaching social research methods. -- Professor Derek McCormack
Reading How to Study Social Life is akin to having a series of supportive conversations about the joys and challenges of social science research with trusted academic mentors. In engaging with this thoughtful book researchers of all stages will be taken on a lively and transformative adventure in thinking about, designing, planning, doing, and writing about intimate, mundane and tricky-to-talk-about aspects of social life. -- Alison Browne