The Sociologist and the Subject: Two Historiographies of Post-war Social Science
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.This study explores two historiographies of post-war social science: one focusing on sociologists and another on the people they studied. It examines methods for reconstructing everyday lives and vernacular speech from social transcripts.
Area Of Science
- Sociology
- Social History
- Historiography
Background
- The historiography of post-war social science is often bifurcated.
- One tradition focuses on the discipline's key figures and theories.
- A newer tradition examines the lives and language of those studied by social scientists.
Purpose Of The Study
- To reflect on the historical concerns and methods of the emerging literature on post-war sociology.
- To analyze the reconstruction of everyday lives and vernacular speech from social transcripts.
- To consider the future directions of this second historiography.
Main Methods
- Analysis of historical social science research.
- Examination of "social transcripts" to understand lived experiences.
- Review of qualitative and quantitative data from sociological studies.
- Engaging with existing historiographical debates.
Main Results
- Identifies a distinct "second historiography" focused on the studied populations.
- Demonstrates the value of social transcripts in revealing vernacular speech and daily life.
- Highlights the methodological challenges and opportunities in this field.
Conclusions
- Advocates for a more inclusive social science historiography.
- Emphasizes the importance of understanding the "vernacular" in sociological research.
- Suggests future research should integrate the perspectives of both sociologists and the populations they study.
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