Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences: An Introduction

ISBN-13: 9780415162951 / Angielski / Twarda / 1998 / 214 str.

D. S. Byrne

Opis

Chaos and complexity are the new buzz words in both science and in contemporary society. The ideas they represent have enormous implications for the way we understand and engage with the world. This work introduces students to the central ideas which surround the chaos/complexity theories. It discusses key concepts before using them as a way of investigating the nature of social research. By applying them to such familiar topics as urban studies, education and health, it should allow readers new to the subject to appreciate the contribution which complexity theory can make to social research and to illuminating the crucial social issues of our day.

Spis treści

Acknowledgements Introduction 1. Understanding the complex 2. The reality of the complex: the complexity of the real 3. Complexity and the quantitative programme in social science 4. Analysing social complexity 5. Complex spaces: regions, cities and neighbourhoods in a complex world 6. The complex character of health and illness 7. Complexity, education and change 8. Complexity and policy: the limits to urban governance 9. Conclusion Glossary Notes Bibliography Index

O autorze

David Byrne is Senior Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Durham. He is author of Beyond the Inner City and has published a number of articles in urban sociology and social policy.