The Intellectual Roots of Grounded Theory (Current Issues in Qualitative Research Book 1);

The spirit of grounded theory is open-ended and flexible, a form of research that seeks to understand individuals involved in social interactions of various types within various contexts. This article traces the roots of today’s ground theory approach to its origins in the Chicago School of Sociology, almost 100 years ago. Strauss and colleagues built upon significant ideas and promoted them in multiple forms. Their efforts, however, were imperfect.

Researchers have spent and will continue to spend time and effort figuring out what they meant and forging their own paths. Strauss encouraged researchers to do this. As prescriptive as the originators of GT appear to be, Strauss remained until the end a researcher and methodologist within the style of the Chicago School: flexible, open-minded, and committed to the social good.