Do It for the Culture: The Case for Memes in Qualitative Research

Abstract

Memes are a prominent feature of global life in the 21st century. The author asserts that memes are significant to current and future qualitative research. In particular, the text establishes memes as: (a) part of everyday communication, expression, and explanation, thus useful in qualitative research; (b) valuable cultural units and symbols; (c) forms of rapport building and cultivating relational research; (d) approaches that bolster and sustain remote data collection; (e) methods that infuse agency, humor, and creativity into the research process. The author then showcases distinctive ways memes can be effectively incorporated in qualitative research pursuits and publications. The article concludes with the necessity of data collection and representation approaches that advance the meaningfulness and cultural-relevance of qualitative inquiry.

The Broken Yellow Brick Road: A Narrative Exploration of the College-Going Decisions and Trajectory of a Low-Income Single Mother of Color

“…When approaching a study, it is important to consider the approaches most relevant and useful to the aims of the research and communities it involves [37,38]. The aims of life history are particularly important for this study and its use of the Iloh Model of College-Going Decisions and Trajectories.…”

Unpacking Sites and Cultures of Methodological Animosity: Teaching Qualitative Research in Spaces that are Hostile to Qualitative Researchers

“…One way to maintain enthusiasm in these climates is to bring yourself to the work and the innovation and possibilities that follow. For example, in my scholarship, I theorized that memes are a useful tool for qualitative research (Iloh, 2021b). Understanding that my premise also had pedagogical power, I have students in my all courses create memes that illustrate and summarize their learning experience at the end.…”

“…These activities reflect pivotal decisions I made to not let my environment lower my zeal and passion for qualitative inquiry, particularly in the classroom. Through such examples, I was able to capitalize on the immense social-relevance (Iloh, 2021b;Iloh & Connor, 2021) of qualitative inquiry and my connection to it.…”

Making the Case for the Socially Relevant Social Scientist

“…Infographics can turn an existing publication, research project, or data into accessible and quick visual representations of key points and their interrelationship. Comics, memes, poetry and other forms of creative work, communication, or discourse should also be on the radar as examples for scholars looking to relate and share their work with an ever-evolving public (Iloh 2020b).…”