Layered account

A layered account refers to a specific approach within qualitative social research where the researcher adopts multiple perspectives and incorporates different layers of consciousness in their writing. This concept, initially introduced by Carol Rambo Ronai, intentionally blurs the boundaries between social research and art. In a layered account, the researcher goes beyond presenting a single narrative or viewpoint and instead incorporates diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives into their work. By doing so, they aim to provide a more nuanced and multifaceted understanding of the subject matter being studied. This approach acknowledges the complex and subjective nature of social phenomena, emphasizing the importance of incorporating multiple perspectives to gain a deeper insight into the research topic.