The modernization of content analysis. Examples of application in socio-environmental evaluation

Abstract

Introduction. Content analysis (CA) is evolving towards adaptation to the increasingly diverse object of study as a mixed methodology. In this paper it is proposed (and justified) as a suitable tool for adaptation to complex and multidimensional objects, and also as a bridging tool between different areas of knowledge that work together on the complexity of our object; nominally, research on society-environment relations. Objectives: The aim is to explore the history of content analysis (CA) and its use since its origin in order to trace its evolution. In addition, an eclectic proposal of updated conceptualisation is made, with practical (research tool) and epistemological (approach of social and environmental scientific areas) usefulness. Methods. Bibliographic review and presentation of two cases with similar analytical needs, on the same field of study, socio-environmental impact assessments (SIAs) in mining in their governance and gender dimensions. This is an area of work in which specialists from a multitude of areas of knowledge coexist, where the need for mutual understanding is necessary for the success of the research. Results. In the case studies presented, CA is applied starting from qualitative data, to develop production under quantitative criteria (analysis of frequencies and co-occurrences) and useful in cluster and network analysis. Conclusions. The CA is shown as the result of an academic evolution towards methodological flexibility and epistemological rapprochement between sciences, both of which are necessary for a transdisciplinary approach to complex objects such as the socio-environmental impacts of mining.