Places and Emplacement: Employing the Sociology of Space for the Analysis of Life Histories

Abstract

In this article, I introduce a research perspective which combines the analysis of family and life histories with the analysis of places. I define the terms place and emplacement as being processual and spatial at the same time, aiming at a combination of the sociology of space and biographical research. I detail how the identification of places and emplacement can be done practically in the research process by using the conception of heuristic research spaces. On the basis of a case study taken from my empirical research in Jerusalem's Old City, I highlight the analytical advantages of including a consideration of places and emplacement.