The aim of the project is the study of biographical transitions using a combination of competences and research methods pertaining to two disciplines, sociology and social psychology. The expression "biographical transition" indicates a process by which one or more individuals move from one state to another, thus modifying - partially or wholly - their personal identity profile and/or the set of social relationships of which they are a part. The study of these processes is directed at understanding the significance attributed to the passages by the social actors involved, and explaining the factors which determine possible outcomes.
Research will focus on the work careers of men and women, and in particular on turning-points in career trajectories, viz.:
significant family events (marriages, the birth of children, separations and divorces), interruptions due to health problems, career moves (horizontal or vertical). Subject to analysis will be the patterning of transitions, critical factors (in particular differences of gender and generation), and the methodological dimensions of this type of research.
The project has five main phases:
- Analysis of the literature and discussion among the local units
- Creation of an archive of biographical narratives
- Conduct of narrative interviews
- Narrative analysis
- Methodological discussion
Researchers: Barbara Poggio, Rino Fasol, Michela Cozza, Annalisa Murgia, Beatrice Gusmano
Period: 2005-2007
Funding: MIUR