Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences: The State of the Art

This book explores the use of complexity theory in the social sciences to understand contemporary issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, social inequality, and global warming. It reviews complexity theory in social science practice and its interface with ecological science, suggests how it can be used to understand and evaluate governance processes, and examines the impact of the pandemic through a complexity lens. The book concludes with a call to action for using complexity theory to inform critical thinking in the education system.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive and revised edition of Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences: The State of the Art delves into the application of complexity theory across various social sciences, showcasing its significance in understanding contemporary challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating social inequality, and the impending social and ecological catastrophe caused by global warming. The book explores the integration of complexity theory into the practice of social sciences and its interplay with ecological science. It provides a framework for reconciling social theory with complexity thinking and offers a review of research methodologies that incorporate complexity theory. Moreover, the book proposes how complexity theory can be employed to comprehend and assess governance processes, particularly in addressing social inequality and the climate crisis. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is also examined through a complexity lens, exploring how complexity thinking has been applied in response to the pandemic and the potential benefits of implementing a complexity framework in health and social care. The book concludes with a call to action and advocates for the integration of complexity theory into the education system to enhance critical thinking skills.

This textbook is an invaluable resource for students and researchers seeking to delve into social research methods, social theory, business and organization studies, health, education, urban studies, and development studies. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding complex systems and provides valuable insights into addressing contemporary social and environmental challenges.

Weight: 635g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032100852
Edition number: 2 ed