Theory and Method in Comparative Research

Two Strategies

Datos Bibliográficos

ID2554996
AutoresC C Ragin (0000-0001-7931-5408), Charles Ragin, D Zaret (0000-0001-5404-4891, Indiana University)
Año1983
Volumen61
Número3
Páginas731
Fecha de publicación1983-03-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaSocial Forces (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0037-7732 • E-ISSN: 1534-7605
EditorialOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.2307/2578132
OpenAlexW4230776319
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas43
Referencias citadas55

We examine the comparative strategies of Durkheim and Weber and link them to specific presuppositions. While both are compatible with goals of explanation and generalization in sociological analysis, they use different types of explanation and different degrees of generalization to produce variable-based (Durkheimian) and case-based (Weberian) studies. Several authors (e.g., Kapsis; Smelser, b) suggest that these two strategies converge. We show that these strategies are neither congruent nor convergent in their (1) units of analysis, (2) conception of causality, (3) conception of adequate explanation, or (4) logic of analysis. We examine contemporary comparative studies and trace lines of filiation between them and the strategies of Durkheim and Weber. Finally, we suggest how these strategies can be combined in complementary ways to take advantage of the unique strengths of each

Causality · Divergence (linguistics · Economics · Epistemology · Generality · Generalization · Linguistics · Presupposition · Sociology · TRACE (psycholinguistics) · Contemporary Sociological Theory and Practice · Culture, Economy, and Development Studies · Mathematics · Philosophy · Psychology · Qualitative Comparative Analysis Research · Social and Cultural Dynamics · Weber, Simmel, Sociological Theory