How is data recorded in GaW?
The following workflow is used when recording data in GaW:
- One or several researchers identify a source material of interest in relation to questions posed by the Gender and Work project and/or within a related project.
- If the material does not already exist in digital form, it is digitised in whole or in part, either by OCR reading (if the material is printed) or by manual transcription (handwriting).
- In consultation with a moderator of the GaW database, the researcher who inputs and records data prepares project documentation drawn up for each source document.
- The researcher analyses the source material, records relevant extracts of the source text into the database, uploads images of the original source and marks up metadata in the text that describes the activities people were engaged in to support themselves, the individuals, labour relations, etc.
- The material is quality checked by a moderator of the GaW database.
When a case has been quality-checked and approved by a moderator, it becomes searchable for whoever is logged in to the database. The researcher who recorded the material can then, in consultation with a moderator of the database, choose to publish the material. Then, it will also be searchable in the open database.
The document below provides an overview of the fundamental principles of collecting, selecting and recording data in the database. These principles should generally be followed, regardless of whether an individual researcher is inputting their research project into the database or if it is source material for GaW being recorded.
The data on the activities people performed to support themselves are the core of the database as they provide evidence of how time was used. Note that an activity cannot be recorded without an individual associated with it. A series of metadata are then recorded for the activities and the individuals.
By the following flow chart, the labour relations that describe the legal and relational context within which an activity is carried out are also recorded.
Flow chart for selecting labour relations
