
Sociology and Social Research (RLE Social Theory)
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 21. January 2016
Book
Paperback/Softback
336 pages
978-1-138-98249-9 (ISBN)
Description
A social science which has become so remote from the society which pays for its upkeep is ultimately doomed, threatened less by repression than by intellectual contempt and financial neglect. This is the message of the authors of this book in this reassessment of the evolution and present state of British sociology.
Their investigation analyses the discipline as a social institution, whose product is inexorably shaped by the everyday circumstances of its producers; it is the concrete outcome of people's work, rather than a body of abstract ideas. Drawing upon their varied experience as teachers and researchers, they identify three major trends in contemporary sociology. First, that the discipline's rapid expansion has led to a retreat from rigorous research into Utopian and introspective theorising. Second, that the concept of sociological research is being taught in a totally false way because of this, and encourages 'research' within a wholly academic environment. Third, that the current unpopularity of sociology with academics, prospective students and politicians is no coincidence, but a reflection of the conditions under which sociology is now produced and practised.
In Sociology and Social Research the authors suggest substantial changes in sociological research, the way in which it is carried out and the conditions under which it is undertaken. Their book is a timely warning to fellow sociologists when the profession is under attack as a result of public expenditure cuts.
Their investigation analyses the discipline as a social institution, whose product is inexorably shaped by the everyday circumstances of its producers; it is the concrete outcome of people's work, rather than a body of abstract ideas. Drawing upon their varied experience as teachers and researchers, they identify three major trends in contemporary sociology. First, that the discipline's rapid expansion has led to a retreat from rigorous research into Utopian and introspective theorising. Second, that the concept of sociological research is being taught in a totally false way because of this, and encourages 'research' within a wholly academic environment. Third, that the current unpopularity of sociology with academics, prospective students and politicians is no coincidence, but a reflection of the conditions under which sociology is now produced and practised.
In Sociology and Social Research the authors suggest substantial changes in sociological research, the way in which it is carried out and the conditions under which it is undertaken. Their book is a timely warning to fellow sociologists when the profession is under attack as a result of public expenditure cuts.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
512 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-138-98249-9 (9781138982499)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Geoff Payne | Robert Dingwall | Judy Payne
Sociology and Social Research (RLE Social Theory)
E-Book
08/2014
1st Edition
Routledge
€64.49
Available for download

Geoff Payne | Robert Dingwall | Judy Payne
Sociology and Social Research (RLE Social Theory)
E-Book
08/2014
1st Edition
Routledge
€64.49
Available for download

Geoff Payne | Robert Dingwall | Judy Payne
Sociology and Social Research (RLE Social Theory)
Book
08/2014
1st Edition
Routledge
€232.40
Shipment within 10-20 days
Persons
Geoff Payne, Robert Dingwall, Judy Payne, Mick Carter
Content
1. The Development of British Sociology 2. The Social Context of British Sociology 3. Theory and Empiricism 4. Grand Theory and Not So Grand Theory 5. The Ethnographic Tradition 6. The Ethnomethodological Movement 7. Sociology and Policy Research 8. Sociology and Action Research 9. The New Methodology 10. Who Runs Research? A Case Study 11. Practical Ethnography 12. Sociology and the Social Science Research Council 13. A Future for British Sociology?