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Objectivity and Subjectivity in Social Research
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Objectivity and Subjectivity in Social Research



October 2012 | 200 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Objectivity and subjectivity are key concepts in social research. This book, written by leading authors in the field, takes a completely new approach to objectivity and subjectivity, no longer treating them as opposed - as many existing texts do - but as logically and methodologically related in social research.

The book debates:

- the philosophical bases of objectivity and relativity

- relationism and dynamic synthesis

- situated objectivity

- theorised subjectivity

- social objects and realism

- objectivity and subjectivity in practice

The authors explain complex arguments with great clarity for social science students, while also providing the detail and comprehensiveness required to meet the needs of practising researchers and scholars.

 
Introduction
 
The Philosophical Bases of Objectivity and Relativity
 
Relationism and Dynamic Synthesis
 
Situated Objectivity in Sociology
 
Theorized Subjectivity
 
Social Objects and Realism
 
Objectivity and Subjectivity in Practice
 
Objectivity Established? A Trialogue
 
References
 
Index

This book is a positive contribution towards mutual understanding in the sometimes fractious debates about epistemology in social research. The authors each bring to bear a depth of knowledge, and engage in a novel 'trialogue' around their perspectives. If you want to get to grips with the issues in thinking about objectivity and subjectivity, you couldn't do better than to read this book.
Rosalind Edwards
University of Southampton


The editors provide solid and accessible accounts of major debates today, their histories, and why they matter. Best of all, after presenting the particular interests that drew each into sociology in different eras, innovative discussions at the end of each singly-authored chapter enable them respectfully to interrogate each other's interpretations of the issues. This brilliant strategy will draw students into the debates in a most engaging way.
Sandra Harding
University of California, Los Angeles


This book is a positive contribution towards mutual understanding in the sometimes fractious debates about epistemology in social research. The authors each bring to bear a depth of knowledge, and engage in a novel 'trialogue' around their perspectives. If you want to get to grips with the issues in thinking about objectivity and subjectivity, you couldn't do better than to read this book.
Rosalind Edwards
University of Southampton

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


For instructors

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