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its originators while seeking to recognize partial knowledge, multiple perspectives, diverse

positions, uncertainties, and variation in both empirical experience and theoretical rendering” (p.

51). Strauss and Corbin (1997) were particularly useful in bringing the theoretical practice of

grounded theory with guidance that is instructive to a broad audience of social science professions.

Because grounded theory method is largely an emergent process, allowing for ample

reflection while data gathering, coding and category development, it was well suited to researching

the interactions and multiple levels of conversations that occur in civic dialogue groups of

practitioners and facilitators. “The beauty and strength of the approach is its non-linearity. The

approach allows for the emergence of concepts out of the data—in a schema that allows for

introspection, intuition, ruminating as well as analysis in the traditional mode” (Orona, 1997, p.

179).

Grounded Theory Background and Process

Grounded theory originated at the Chicago School of Sociology and the development of

symbolic interactionism between 1920 and 1950 (Kendall, 1999). As an outgrowth of symbolic

interactionism (Blumer, 1969), it espouses an alternative account of social life viewed as a fluid

and dynamic process of ongoing activity and varied and reciprocating interactions (Kendall, 1999).

Blumer’s symbolic interactionism rested on three premises: 1) human beings act toward things

based on the meanings attached to them; 2) meaning is derived or arises from social interaction,

and 3) meaning is made through interpretive process. Meaning making is a formative process that

occurs principally through communication and in formulating action.

Glaser and Strauss’(1967) rationale and motive for developing grounded theory method

developed as an “alternative to the hypothetical-deductive approach in sociology which demands

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