Methods section: Quantitative and qualitative examination of social identities and their mutual relations

Abstract

The chapter provides an overview of the methods used in the investigation of youth social identities in the Western Balkans. For quantitative part of the study, 767 young people aged 20-30 years from four Western Balkan countries were surveyed. Each country sample includes an ethnic majority and an ethnic minority with a history of tensions or violent conflict. The survey measured their identifications with a wide range of social groups, from local, ethnic, religious, and national to the overarching identities (Balkans, Europe). The chapter further describes the qualitative portion with focus groups and case studies in each city, the guidelines followed in conducting the studies, and the data analysis procedures. The chapter closes with remarks on the importance of integrating quantitative and qualitative data.