Diary Method in Sociology

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The article positions the diary method as a relevant tool for qualitative sociological research. It analyzes its theoretical foundations, key characteristics (regularity, personal nature, and synchronicity), evolution from personal records to a scientific instrument, and main types (unsolicited and solicited diaries). Methodological aspects of applying solicited diaries are examined in detail: their variations (time-based/event-based, degree of structure, media formats), advantages (proximity to lived experience, reduced recall bias, access to routines, flexibility) and challenges (respondent burden, instruction design, ethical considerations). Particular attention is given to time-use diaries as the optimal instrument for studying temporal expenditures, specifically parental time. As an illustrative application, a comprehensive methodology for studying the resocialization of mothers after maternity leave is proposed. This methodology combines an adapted digital time-use diary (via a Telegram bot) with narrative and diary interviews.

About the authors

Anastasiya Alekseevna Moiseeva

HSE University

Email: mn_0911@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0001-9857-7398
Master Student, Trainee-Researcher, Centre for Modern Childhood Research, Institute of Education Moscow, Russia

Elena Yurievna Rozhdestvenskaya

HSE University; Institute of Sociology of FCTAS RAS

Email: erozhdestvenskaya@hse.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6874-2404
SPIN-code: 4270-8133
ResearcherId: B-1687-2014
Doctor of Sociology, Professor, Department of Analysis of Social Institutions, School of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences; Leading Researcher Moscow, Russia

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