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A snapshot of communication research in Spain that uses qualitative methods as the dominant methodological perspective is presented. We conduct a content analysis to study the characteristics, objects and techniques that predominate in a census of 1,025 scientific productions from 2007 to 2018, which includes doctoral theses, projects and articles published in scientific journals. In the indexed publications, there is a certain lack of qualitative articles, despite the importance they have in doctoral theses and research projects. These researches use or triangulate qualitative methods, but not all techniques are used equally. Communication studies frequently resort to discourse analysis and in-depth interviews, but the presence of observations and discussion groups is minimal. The objects of study are also varied, although audiovisual formats prevail over journalistic formats and there is a growing interest in digital media and formats. Finally, at the author level, the results reveal parity, although the gender gap in the highest level studies is worrying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climate crisis and the environmental emergency are a sign of uncertainty for the future of the planet. European and national educational directives establish the framework of action and the commitments that must be made by each agent to reach the new sustainable paradigm which is based on circularity. The school, as an institution of social transformation, faces a reproductive framework that feeds the consumer socio-economic structure, covering up the urgency of the problem. The aim is to identify the forces for change to improve the intervention mechanisms in the educational field in Spain aimed at fostering the involvement and the participation of young people. The qualitative methodology combines discourse analysis using Grounded Theory and prospective analysis using the scenario method. By means of a validated questionnaire, semistructured interviews and focus groups are conducted with technicians and managers, trainers of trainers, teachers, and researchers (n=53). The discourse of the agents and legislation on education and sustainability are analysed to generate substantive theory. By means of the theorization obtained, drivers and constraints are identified, establishing a probability and impact matrix that allows for the visualization of three possible futures. It concludes with a set of recommendations to strengthen the desired scenario and to reduce the possibilities of the dystopian scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to know how Catalonian citizens account water controversies in Spain, we analyzed six focus groups carried out in Catalonia in 2006. A concept of ‘urban social identity' is used for our interpretations, having been adapted to highlight its interactional character. Tracking the spatial categories used in the discussions, we identified the variety of denominations employed to debate water problems in Spain. The analysis is focused on the most frequent categories to establish their utility and identify discursive actions that participants produce. Results indicate that speakers account the “water problems" mobilizing a common sense political geography that highlights the socio-spatial and conflicting character of water issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]