Chains of reasons: Exploring structural conditions by analysing subjective reasons

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Abstract

This article discusses the methodological concept ‘chains of reasons’, as a conceptual possibility for analysing connections between personal participation and structural conditions in a concrete historical practice. The concept of context is central within psychology but methodologically it is often an open question how to select and focus on the relevant contextual nexuses to a problem. Following subjective reasons as an analytical foundation for tracking relevant conditions provides a possibility for concretising the work with ‘contexts’ and anchoring personal aspects in social practice. This is illustrated through an analysis of unequal possibilities for children’s participation in educational institutions - conceptualised as ‘situated inequality’. Although the analysis exemplifies an analytical round trip into social practices involved in the individual representation of problems at school, the concept is meant as a general contribution to theoretical psychology – highlighting structural conditions through analysis of subjective perspectives in participant’s conduct of everyday live.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftTheory & Psychology
Vol/bind35
Udgave nummer3
Sider (fra-til)271-292
Antal sider22
ISSN0959-3543
DOI
StatusUdgivet - jun. 2025

Emneord

  • Participation
  • Contextual conditions
  • Situated inequality
  • Subjective reasons
  • Methodology

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