Ethnomethodology, Conversation Analysis and Constructive Analysis: On Formal Structures of Practical Action

This book revisits the arguments by Harvey Sacks and Harold Garfinkel against constructing disciplinary theories and methods in the social sciences and proposes an alternative to investigate the organized methods of natural language use and common-sense reasoning that constitute social orders. It highlights the importance of Garfinkel and Sacks' original proposals for an alternate sociology of practical action and practical reasoning, arguing for a renewal of their radical alternative in these approaches.

Format: Hardback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book revisits the arguments put forth by Harvey Sacks and Harold Garfinkel, challenging the prevailing tendency in the social sciences to develop disciplinary theories and methods in place of common-sense knowledge of human action. Instead, they proposed an alternative approach that aimed to investigate the organized methods of natural language use and common-sense reasoning that constitute social orders. This alternative led to the establishment and proliferation of ethnomethodology and conversation analysis.

As the very constructive analysis that they opposed has begun to be incorporated into influential lines of research in ethnomethodology and conversation analysis, the authors revisit the founding insights of the field and reiterate the importance of Garfinkel and Sacks' original and controversial proposals for an alternate sociology of practical action and practical reasoning. They demonstrate how constructive analysis has become entrenched in these approaches and argue for a need to re-boot these approaches.

This volume constitutes a call for a renewal of the radical alternative proposed by Garfinkel and Sacks. It explores the implications of their ideas for understanding human behavior and social interaction, and encourages scholars to explore new avenues for research and inquiry that go beyond the traditional disciplinary boundaries. By challenging the status quo and advocating for a more holistic and empirically grounded approach to the study of society, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of social sciences.

Weight: 740g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032106052