Social Synthesis
Finding Dynamic Patterns in Complex Social Systems
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Published:10th Aug '17
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£41.99(9780367371241)
This insightful work, Social Synthesis, explores the dynamics of complex social systems and introduces Dynamic Pattern Synthesis as a method for understanding societal adaptation.
The book Social Synthesis emphasizes the necessity of an applied social science that recognizes social systems as intricate and dynamic manifestations of complex systems. Author Haynes introduces a novel mixed method known as Dynamic Pattern Synthesis (DPS), which serves as a foundation for understanding how these complex systems evolve and adapt over time.
In exploring the challenges of comprehending societal issues, Social Synthesis raises critical questions regarding the behavior of markets, government interventions, and the paths citizens navigate through life. This inquiry into social dynamics seeks to unravel the complexities of human interaction and the various factors that influence decision-making and opportunities.
The text also delves into the ongoing discourse regarding appropriate methodologies for social science research, addressing the tension between quantitative and qualitative approaches. Haynes advocates for a synthesis of these methods, proposing that a singular focus on parts often obscures the broader understanding of social phenomena. By presenting Dynamic Pattern Synthesis (DPS), the book equips contemporary researchers with a robust tool for analyzing how specific social and economic systems respond to changes over time, making it a significant contribution to the field. Social Synthesis is particularly relevant for advanced students and professionals across various disciplines, including sociology, economics, and public policy.
I highly recommend this book which has several case-studies of complex change over time. Complexity theory fits the social sciences well because there is both stability and instability in the social patterns. Here we find good empirical examples. The author observes patterns over time using three main methods: a complex cluster analysis, the discerning of prime implicants from among the configuration’s characteristics, and Boolean truth-table analysis. The author thus reduces and simplifies the findings. The book makes extensive use of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) while extending this ‘mixed method’ to an intertemporal range.
Wendy Olsen, Reader in Socio-Economic Research, The University of Manchester, UK
This book responds to two important currents influencing contemporary social science: critical realism and complexity science. It provides an account of a promising new analytic method, Dynamic Pattern Synthesis, and illustrates how one can use the method with examples including the analysis of health and social care. I look forward to the application of this innovative and powerful method to a wide range of policy-relevant topics.
Nigel Gilbert, Professor of Sociology, University of Surrey, UK
ISBN: 9781138208728
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 453g
188 pages