Learn to Write Badly
How to Succeed in the Social Sciences
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Published:20th Jun '13
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Hardback£55.00(9781107027053)
In Learn to Write Badly, Michael Billig critiques the poor writing habits of social scientists, linking them to competitive academic pressures and linguistic choices.
In Learn to Write Badly, Michael Billig presents a critical examination of the writing practices prevalent among today's social scientists. He asserts that the competitive academic environment has led to a decline in writing quality, as scholars prioritize quantity over clarity. Billig delves into the linguistic characteristics that define poor writing, exploring how these elements are intertwined with the pressures of modern academia. Through his analysis, he raises important questions about the training and expectations of social science postgraduates, highlighting the systemic issues that contribute to this decline.
The book takes a witty and engaging approach, using examples from various disciplines such as linguistics, sociology, and experimental social psychology. Billig illustrates how social scientists often rely on complex terminology that lacks precision, arguing that simpler language would be more effective. He critiques the common use of noun-based terminology, such as 'reification' and 'nominalization', suggesting that these terms can obscure meaning rather than clarify it. By emphasizing the importance of clear communication, Billig encourages scholars to reflect on their writing practices and consider the implications of their linguistic choices.
Ultimately, Learn to Write Badly serves as both a humorous critique and a call to action for social scientists. Billig's analysis sheds light on the ways in which academic writing can be improved, promoting a shift towards more accessible and impactful communication. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of language, academia, and the social sciences.
'Michael Billig makes important and novel arguments about the state of writing - and therefore the state of thinking - in the social sciences. This book presents detailed critiques of writings by a wide range of social scientists. Billig uses vivid examples to demonstrate the conditions in which bad writing is nurtured and to show its wider significance for academia and beyond. This is a highly entertaining read which had me laughing out loud at times.' Christine Griffin, University of Bath
'A wonderful look at the academic world and the kind of writing it encourages. I especially enjoyed the chapters on mass publication, sociology, and experimental social psychology.' Tom Scheff, Professor Emeritus, University of California, Santa Barbara
'If you are put off by the highly specialized, closed and boring technical prose that increasingly characterizes a good deal of contemporary social science, then Michael Billig shares your annoyance! A wise, informed and well-written account, showing just why so many social scientists write badly.' John Van Maanen, Erwin H. Schell Professor of Organization Studies, MIT Sloan School of Management
'Once again, Michael Billig has succeeded in challenging one of the characteristics of scholars' writing in the social sciences which is usually taken for granted: the use of too much abstract jargon which mystifies and obfuscates the interpretation, reflection and explanation of our findings. In his brilliant, typically humorous but also cynical and accurate analysis of scholars' narcissism, the author points to alternative ways of combining complex research with fundamental and necessary scholarly standards - while simultaneously making our work accessible to a broader public, in the spirit of true critical science.' Ruth Wodak, Distinguished Professor and Chair in Discourse Studies, Lancaster University
'The Lynne Truss of the academic writing world … [Billig] reminds us all that when we put pen to paper we are supposed to be explaining things not hiding them … We should all read it and insist that our students do so as well.' The Times Higher Education Supplement
'My short review of this book would simply say, 'Buy it!' … The author presents his evidence effectively and with a great deal of humour … I could go on at length and produce some marvellous quotations from this book … I would like every budding author in the social sciences, every journal editor, and every referee, to read this book and take some action against the ills of academic writing.' Tom Wilson, Information Research
'Michael Billig is writing from the inside as a professor of social sciences at Loughborough University: he knows all the tricks and poses, and examines them with a mix of cool detachment, warm humour and suitably dense footnoting.' Gideon Haigh, 'Books of the Year', Spectator (Australia)
'[A] splendid book, which I'm going to make compulsory reading for anyone who crosses my path.' Martin Parker, Organization
'[Billig's] argument will interest most academics, not merely those in the social sciences … any self-reflective academic or writer will benefit from reading his accomplished study.' Luke Brunning, The Cambridge Humanities Review
'A highly respected researcher, Billig is well positioned to offer his critique … The book's apt, somewhat tongue-in-cheek illustrations cleverly prove Billig's claims … Essential. Graduate students, researchers, faculty.' C. E. O'Neill, Choice
'… a thought-provoking manifesto for good writing.' Helen Jones, Sociology
'You will be drawn into the book by amusement and curiosity despite the somewhat dry topic.' Eva Dietrich, University of Potsdam
ISBN: 9781107676985
Dimensions: 226mm x 150mm x 10mm
Weight: 360g
240 pages