Archival Research

Archival Research refers to a sociological research method that involves analyzing historical documents, records, and data stored in archives to study past events, social trends, and institutional practices. These sources may include government records, personal letters, photographs, media reports, and organizational documents. Archival research is valuable for understanding historical contexts, tracing social changes, and examining the development of social policies and cultural norms. It often complements other methods, such as interviews or surveys, to provide a comprehensive perspective. Sociologists utilize archival research to explore themes like inequality, identity, and power dynamics, emphasizing the importance of critically assessing the reliability and biases in archived materials.