Making Social Science Matter presents an exciting new approach to social science, 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 science is 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 provides essential reading for all those in the social and behavioral sciences.
INNOVATIVE: shows a new way for social science. COMPREHENSIVE: includes both theory and methodology. CONSTRUCTIVE: demonstrates how social science can succeed by focusing on context, the particular, values, and power. PRACTICAL: provides hands-on examples of practical application. RELEVANT: is used across the social and behavioral sciences, from politics and sociology to planning and management to nursing and psychology.
FOR COURSES IN: introduction to the social and behavioral sciences, social science research methods, philosophy of (social) science.
AT THE LEVEL OF: advanced undergraduate students and up.
16 PRINTINGS (English and Danish editions): makes this book an unparalleled bestseller in its field.
