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

New approach demonstrating how social science can be successful, focusing on context, values, and power.

Bent Flyvbjerg (Author), Steven Sampson (Translated by)

9780521772686, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 18 January 2001

216 pages
23.7 x 16.2 x 2.1 cm, 0.48 kg

'Flyvbjerg's book is important and I would recommend it to all researchers of urban affairs. Making Social Science Matter is an important milestone in the discussion of how social science research might be undertaken and 'matter'. Flyvbjerg's discussion opens out for debate many of the key issues regarding research with social implications. This book is likely to remain a key reference for some time.' Urban Studies

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.

1. The science wars: a way out
Part I. Why Social Science has Failed as Science: 2. Rationality, body, and intuition in human learning
3. Is theory possible in social science?
4. Context counts
Part II. How Social Science Can Matter Again: 5. Values in social and political inquiry
6. The power of example
7. The significance of conflict and power to social science
8. Empowering Aristotle
9. Methodological guidelines for a reformed social science
10. Examples and illustrations: narratives of value and power
11. Social science that matters
Notes
Index.

Subject Areas: Social theory [JHBA]