Grounded Theory Methodology

Grounded Theory Methodology (GTM), developed by Glaser and Strauss more than 50 years ago, is considered one of the most prominent approaches in qualitative research today. This chapter outlines the history of GTM—from the founding fathers to the so-called Second Generation and newer developments. Despite all of its diversity, GTM is characterized by a basic set of essentials that guide both research planning (Theoretical Sampling, All is Data) and work on the material (Theoretical Sensitivity, Conceptualization). At the end of this chapter, a study is presented as an example, in which youth cultural practices were examined using textual and visual data.