Explaining Society: Critical Realism in the Social Sciences

This new edition of Explaining Society, connecting methodology, theory, and empirical research, is an up-to-date resource that discusses recent scholarship in the field and clarifies concepts to render them consistent with critical realism. It is accessible to scholars of sociology, philosophy, and the social sciences.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 228 pages
\n Publication date: 08 April 2019
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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This new edition of Explaining Society, fully revised and updated with a new bibliography and illustrative examples based on work inspired by critical realism, serves as a comprehensive resource that connects methodology, theory, and empirical research. In addition to discussing recent scholarship that bridges critical realism with interdisciplinary research, this second edition also clarifies concepts such as retroduction and retrodiction to align them with developments within critical realism, which is covered in a dedicated chapter. Providing an accessible account of the nature of society and social science, as well as the methods used to study and explain social phenomena, Explaining Society will appeal to scholars of sociology, philosophy, and the social sciences more broadly.

The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the social world, presenting a rich theoretical framework and empirical evidence to support its claims. It begins by introducing the concept of critical realism, which emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying structures and processes that shape social reality. The author then delves into the various approaches to social research, including positivism, interpretivism, and critical realism, and discusses their strengths and limitations.

Throughout the book, the author employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from sociology, philosophy, psychology, and other fields to provide a holistic understanding of social phenomena. This approach allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive analysis of social issues, as it considers the interrelationships between different aspects of society.

One of the key strengths of Explaining Society is its ability to provide a clear and accessible account of the nature of society and social science. The author breaks down complex concepts and theories into manageable sections, making them accessible to students and scholars from a wide range of backgrounds. Additionally, the book includes numerous illustrative examples and case studies that help to bring the theory to life and demonstrate its practical applications.

Another notable feature of the book is its emphasis on the importance of methodology in social research. The author discusses the various research methods used in social science, including surveys, interviews, and participant observation, and explains how they can be used to gather data and test hypotheses. This approach provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to conduct their own research and contribute to the field.

In conclusion, Explaining Society is a valuable resource for students and scholars interested in understanding the social world. Its comprehensive approach, multidisciplinary framework, and emphasis on methodology make it an essential read for anyone seeking to advance their knowledge of social science. The book's clear and accessible writing style, coupled with its wealth of illustrative examples and case studies, ensures that it will appeal to a wide range of readers.

\n Weight: 380g\n
Dimension: 158 x 232 x 13 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781138497818\n
Edition number: 2 New edition\n