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Complexity and practical knowledge in the social sciences: a comment on Stehr and Grundmann.
Gabrielle Meagher1, Shaun Wilson
1School of Economics and Political Science, University of Sydney.
The British Journal of Sociology
|January 31, 2003
Summary
This study challenges the view that sociology
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Policy Science
- Sociology
- Economics
Background:
- Critiques the argument that sociology's perceived failure to generate practical knowledge stems from its focus on social complexity.
- Contrasts sociology with economics, positing economics' superior methods and culture facilitate greater policy contributions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge Stehr and Grundmann's thesis on sociology's practical knowledge limitations.
- To re-evaluate the roles of complexity, methods, and disciplinary culture in policy science contributions.
Main Methods:
- Critical analysis of existing arguments on sociology and economics as policy sciences.
- Comparative assessment of the 'complexity argument' in sociology and economics.
Main Results:
- The complexity argument has hindered economics' practical contributions more than acknowledged.
- Disciplinary methods and cultures are overestimated as drivers of economics' policy influence.
- Sociology's engagement with complexity can enhance policy making by cautioning against simplistic solutions.
Conclusions:
- The 'complexity argument' is not solely a barrier but a valuable tool for policy analysis.
- Reassessing the contributions of sociology and economics requires a nuanced view beyond methods and culture.