Making Social Science Matter: Why Social Inquiry Fails and How it Can Succeed Again

by Bent Flyvbjerg , Translated by Steven Sampson

• ISBN13: 9780521775687
• ISBN10: 052177568X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-01-15
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Making Social Science Matter presents an exciting new approach to the social and behavioral sciences including theoretical argument, methodological guidelines, and examples of practical application. Why has social science failed in attempts to emulate natural science and produce normal theory? Bent Flyvbjerg argues that the strength of social sciences lies in its rich, reflexive analysis of values and power, essential to the social and economic development of any society. Richly informed, powerfully argued, and clearly written, this book opens up a new future for the social sciences. Its empowering message will make it required reading for students and academics across the social and behavioral sciences.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
The Science Wars: a way out	1	(8)
Part one: Why social science has failed as science
Rationality, body, and intuition in human learning	9	(16)
Is theory possible in social science?	25	(13)
Context counts	38	(15)
Part two: How social science can matter again
Values in social and political inquiry	53	(13)
The power of example	66	(22)
The significance of conflict and power to social science	88	(22)
Empowering Aristotle	110	(19)
Methodological guidelines for a reformed social science	129	(12)
Examples and illustrations: narratives of value and power	141	(25)
Social science that matters	166	(3)
Notes	169	(32)
Index	201