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Theoretical and Philosophical Foundations of Social Inquiry
Who's Afraid of Theory?
- Jeong-Hee Kim - Texas Tech University, USA
Other Titles in:
Qualitative Methods | Qualitative Research (General) | Sociological Research Methods
Qualitative Methods | Qualitative Research (General) | Sociological Research Methods
April 2026 | 355 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
This text introduces students to the important theories and philosophies that serve as essential foundations for social inquiry. The author’s intention is that each discussion is substantive enough to inspire and motivate readers to think deeper, read more, and wonder more openly. Author Jeong-Hee Kim offers several pedagogical features to help students actively engage with the text such as examples that connect theory to specific research contexts, guidance to help recognize points of convergence and divergence across theoretical traditions, and suggestions to practice thinking with theory.
Preface
Acknowledgment
About the Author
Chapter 1: Introduction: What Is Theory?
Chapter 2: Evolution of Philosophy of Science: Positivism, Logical Positivism, and Postpositivism
Chapter 3: Interpretivism, Hermeneutics, and Phenomenology
Chapter 4: Pragmatism, Symbolic Interactionism, and Semiotics
Chapter 5: Critical Theories: Marxism, Critical Theory, and Critical Race Theory
Chapter 6: Feminist Theories
Chapter 7: Poststructuralism
Chapter 8: Postcolonial Theory, Indigenous Ways of Knowing, and Decoloniality
Chapter 9: Posthuman Theory and New Materialisms
Chapter 10: New Beginnings: Toward an Axio-Onto-Epistemology of the Earth
References
Theoretical and Philosophical Foundations of Social Inquiry presents readers with an introduction to the role of theory, the emergence and evolution of different 'historical moments' of social thought, and how theory shapes not only thinking but doing.
DePaul University
This is an innovative, creative, and interesting book that students will actually enjoy reading. The content is strong, and the focus on critical race theory, feminisms, and post-human inquiry provides students with key ideas in contemporary qualitative research.
George Washington University
The author draws on solid foundations and contemporary relevance to illuminate the rich discussions of the consequential theories discussed in the text. Students will learn and draw analogies about the underpinnings of significant social inquiry within the contemporary time.
University of Mississippi
Social inquiry textbooks rarely deliver this level of breadth and depth. Moreover, the end-of-chapter features are comprehensive resources for students' understanding and analysis.
Barry University
