This talk explores the possibilities of object interviews as a method for carrying out research into material culture, as well as a method adopted more widely as part of the repertoire of creative methods in the social sciences. The talk will use examples of how it has been adopted to explore: different ways in which objects interviews have been used, how to understand the materiality of the objects that are used, and the relationships between talk about objects (that is, how words can make things present). I will draw in particular upon my own research into clothing to illustrate how I have used the method.

Sophie Woodward is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Manchester and carries out research into material cultures, everyday lives and is currently carrying out research into Dormant Things in people's homes. She has an ongoing interest in the relationship between material culture and methods and is the author of 4 books including Why Women Wear what they Wear (2007) and Blue Jeans (2012), and is currently working on a book for Sage called 'Material Methods: researching and thinking with things'.