Sociological Theory in Use

ISBN-13: 9781138782570 / Angielski / Twarda / 2014 / 260 str.

Kenneth Menzies

Opis

Central to most sociologists' self-image is the claim that their theories are based on research. However, using a random sample of 680 articles appearing in major American, British and Canadian journals, Dr Menzies shows that in some areas of sociology the wide gap between theory and research means that much of sociological theory is virtually untested. He explains how theory is embodied in eight particular types of research, critically examines these research theories, and contrasts them with the positions of modern theorists. The sample of journal articles also permits a comparison of British, American and Canadian sociology. By contrasting on how researchers us theories, Dr Menzies is able to reassess several theories. For instance, symbolic interactionist research uses embedded causal claims and stands in a dialectical relationship to other sociological research, while the research version of conflict theory depends on external causes to explain social change. The implications of using statistical techniques like factor analysis and regression are also considered in relation to the form of explanation.

Spis treści

1. Introduction: Theoreticians’ Theory and Research Theory  2. Functionalism: Hunch or Implausibility  3. Symbolic Interaction: Voluntaristic Interpretive Description  4. Causal Role Theory: People as Products and Creators of their Worlds  5. Men’s Interests: War and Peace  6. Action Theory, or a Person’s Got to Do What His Attitudes Say He’s Got to Do  7. Middle-Range Theory: A Realist View  8. Attainment Studies: The Concern for Equality of Opportunity  9. Uses and Abuses of Great Men: A Cautionary Tale  10. A Quantitative View of Current Sociology  11. Conclusion

O autorze

Authored by Menzies, Kenneth