- Table View
- List View
The Social Sciences in a Global Age: Decoding Knowledge Politics
by Dipankar SinhaThe book focuses on the status and role of social sciences in the current millennium. Drawing inspiration from a range of theorists, it critically examines the key debates on the social science stream and focuses on its ir/relevance in our times in the background of changing state-market dialectics. It specifically scrutinises knowledge politics of the global times to reveal how the neoliberal project aligns and fuses steep economic ‘conditionalities’ with professional cultural parameters of higher academia to constrain autonomy and weaken radical expressions in social science pedagogy and research. Asserting that the humanistic core of social sciences has the potential to resist acts of reducing knowledge to a monochromatic form, the book argues that the social science stream can challenge and resist such hegemonic ambitions. It also identifies and analyses the contradictions, dilemmas, predicaments and false steps of social scientists, and avoids a reductive approach based on the ‘west versus non-west’ binary. The volume will be of interest to scholars and researchers of the social sciences in general, and of sociology/politics of knowledge, political theory, political sociology and education in particular.
The Social Sciences in the Looking Glass: Studies in the Production of Knowledge
by Didier Fassin and George SteinmetzIn recent years, social scientists have turned their critical lens on the historical roots and contours of their disciplines, including their politics and practices, epistemologies and methods, institutionalization and professionalization, national development and colonial expansion, globalization and local contestations, and public presence and role in society. The Social Sciences in the Looking Glass offers current social scientific perspectives on this reflexive moment. Examining sociology, anthropology, philosophy, political science, legal theory, and religious studies, the volume’s contributors outline the present transformations of the social sciences, explore their connections with critical humanities, analyze the challenges of alternate paradigms, and interrogate recent endeavors to move beyond the human. Throughout, the authors, who belong to half a dozen disciplines, trace how the social sciences are thoroughly entangled in the social facts they analyze and are key to helping us understand the conditions of our world.Contributors. Chitralekha, Jean-Louis Fabiani, Didier Fassin, Johan Heilbron, Miriam Kingsberg Kadia, Kristoffer Kropp, Nicolas Langlitz, John Lardas Modern, Álvaro Morcillo Laiz, Amín Pérez, Carel Smith, George Steinmetz, Peter D. Thomas, Bregje van Eekelen, Agata Zysiak
The Social Scientific Gaze: The Social Question and the Rise of Academic Social Science in Sweden (Public Intellectuals and the Sociology of Knowledge)
by Per WisselgrenThe social sciences have, ever since they were first established as academic disciplines, played a foundational role in most spheres of modern society - in policy-making, education, the media and public debate - and hence also, indirectly, for our self-understanding as social beings. The Social Scientific Gaze examines the discursive formation of academic social science in the historical context of the 'social question', that is, the protracted and wide-ranging discussions on the social problems of modernity that were being debated with increased intensity during the nineteenth century. Empirically, the study focuses on the Lorén Foundation, a combined private funding agency and early research institute, which was set up in 1885 to promote the rise of Swedish social science and to investigate the social question. Comprising an heuristic case, the close analysis of the Foundation makes it possible not only to reconstruct its basic ideas and practices, but also to situate its activities in broader historical and sociological context. The Social Scientific Gaze argues that the rise of Swedish social science may be seen not only as an 'answer' to the social 'question', but also as one attempt alongside others - including contemporary social literature, the philantropic reform movement, and the introduction of modern social policy - to conceptualize, mobilize and regulate the social sphere. In this process it is furthermore shown how an ambigious yet distinct 'social scientific gaze' was discursively articulated.
Social Scientific Research
by Dawn BrancatiOffering an engaging and entertaining introduction to research methods, this is a practical and easy-to-use companion for all new researchers and students in the social sciences. Covering all the key stages of the research process, this book guides students in navigating some of the biggest challenges in developing a research project. This book: Uses real-life everyday examples, connecting research methods to your experiences Includes dedicated chapters on identifying a research question, ethics and writing up your findings Comprises an array of activities, tips, illustrations and international case studies Covers qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research Bringing methods to life for students across the social sciences, this book will provide you with the confidence you need to get your research off the ground.
Social Scientific Research
by Dawn BrancatiOffering an engaging and entertaining introduction to research methods, this is a practical and easy-to-use companion for all new researchers and students in the social sciences. Covering all the key stages of the research process, this book guides students in navigating some of the biggest challenges in developing a research project. This book: Uses real-life everyday examples, connecting research methods to your experiences Includes dedicated chapters on identifying a research question, ethics and writing up your findings Comprises an array of activities, tips, illustrations and international case studies Covers qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research Bringing methods to life for students across the social sciences, this book will provide you with the confidence you need to get your research off the ground.
The Social Scientific Study of Exorcism in Christianity (Popular Culture, Religion and Society. A Social-Scientific Approach #3)
by Giuseppe Giordan Adam PossamaiThis book presents an academic analysis of exorcism in Christianity. It not only explores the crisis and drama of a single individual in a fight against demonic possession but also looks at the broader implications for the society in which the possessed lives. In recognition of this, coverage includes case studies from various geographical areas in Europe, North and South America, and Oceania. The contributors explore the growing significance of the rite of exorcism, both in its more structured format within traditional Christian religions as well as in the less controlled and structured forms in the rites of deliverance within Neopentecostal movements. They examine theories on the interaction between religion, magic, and science to present new and groundbreaking data on exorcism. The fight against demonic possession underlines the way in which changes within the religious field, such as the rediscovery of typical practices of popular religiosity, challenge the expectations of the theory of secularization. This book argues that if possession is a threat to the individual and to the equilibrium of the social order, the ritual of exorcism is able to re-establish a balance and an order through the power of the exorcist. This does not happen in a social vacuum but in a consumer culture where religious groups market themselves against other faiths. This book appeals to researchers in the field.
Social Scientist in South Asia: Personal Narratives, Social Forces and Negotiations
by Achla Pritam Tandon Gopi Devdutt Tripathy Rashi BhargavaThis book is a collection of autobiographical narratives by leading social scientists working across South Asia. It explores the linkages between their personal experiences and academic pursuits and analyzes how personal, political, and professional choices shape knowledge production and effect social transformation. The narratives revisit long-standing debates on objectivity, subjectivity, self, and other and attempt to collapse the binaries that have informed the social sciences until now. Highlighting the state of research and pedagogy in the social sciences in the region, the book questions the conventional understanding of the task of the social scientist and, in doing so, blurs the distinction between theory, research, pedagogy, and activism. A unique and compelling contribution, this volume will be indispensable to students and researchers of sociology, anthropology, history, creative writing, education, politics, biography studies, and South Asian studies. It will also be of interest to general readers.
Social Scientists for Social Justice: Making the Case against Segregation (Critical America Ser. #85)
by John P. Jackson Jr.In one of the twentieth century's landmark Supreme Court cases, Brown v. Board of Education, social scientists such as Kenneth Clark helped to convince the Supreme Court Justices of the debilitating psychological effects of racism and segregation. John P. Jackson, Jr., examines the well-known studies used in support of Brown, such as Clark's famous "doll tests," as well as decades of research on race which lead up to the case. Jackson reveals the struggles of social scientists in their effort to impact American law and policy on race and poverty and demonstrates that without these scientists, who brought their talents to bear on the most pressing issues of the day, we wouldn't enjoy the legal protections against discrimination we may now take for granted. For anyone interested in the history and legacy of Brown v. Board of Education, this is an essential book.
Social Sector Communication: Concepts, Strategies and Case Studies
by Jaishri JethwaneyCommunication, advocacy, and outreach are germane to the success of any organisation working in the social sector. This book provides a robust conceptual framework that is required to understand the demands of the sector and suggests strategies and tools for those engaged in social sector communication.This book not only highlights the theoretical underpinnings, practice, and skill of social sector communications in India but also provides an understanding of various skills and approaches required in communication including social marketing, media advocacy, social mobilisation, grassroots communication, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). With the aid of case studies, it offers suggestions on how to plan campaigns; write a concept note, field report, and press release, and effectively use social media to achieve developmental programme goals. This revised edition discusses the different perspectives of NGOs and programme implementers and helps in understanding the corporate–NGO interface vis-à-vis CSR projects.This book will be useful to students of social work, business, and management preparing for roles in social enterprises. It will also be of use to working professionals in the social sector.
Social Sector Development and Governance: Empirical Investigations for Countries and Groups
by Ramesh Chandra DasThis volume explores the impact of good governance upon social sectors&’ development in India and other selected economies of the world. Economic development in the true sense depends on the development of different social sectors like education, healthcare, gender equality, etc., as well as economic factors. Good governance makes the sectors perform well on the one hand, and helps in economic growth and development on the other. Conversely, bad or weak governance in the form of corruption and low effectiveness of the governments, may lead to poor performance of the sectors, and low growth and backwardness of the economies. This book explores the associations between different social sectors&’ performances with quality of governance, and growth and development of different economies and groups in detail and establishes theoretical and empirical examinations for the individual economies and groups from the different corners of the globe with the help of new theories and latest data. This book will be useful for students and researchers in the fields of Economics, Sociology, Political Studies, Public Finance, International Relations, Social Sciences as well as policy makers and think tanks.
Social Sector Spending, Governance and Economic Development: Perspectives from Across the World
by Ramesh Chandra DasEconomic development depends heavily on the growth of social sectors like education, healthcare, gender equality, as well as factors like income, consumption, investment and trade. This book examines the interlinkages between development, good governance and spending on social growth. The book focuses on different areas of social growth, public welfare and poverty reduction including managing human resources, corruption in public institutions and public spaces as well as health and welfare measures. The chapters in the volume highlight the role of government interventions in boosting human development – particularly in developing countries in Asia and Africa and many developed countries in the post-COVID scenario. The book also examines the foundations of government spending on development and effective governance while underlining the impact which social growth has on the economy. Rich in theoretical and empirical perspectives, this book will be useful for students and researchers of economics, sociology, political studies, public finance, development studies as well as for policymakers and think tanks working in the areas of human development.
Social Security and Wage Poverty: Historical and Policy Aspects of Supplementing Wages in Britian and Beyond
by Chris GroverThis is the first book to examine debates about, and the practice of, state supplementing of wages. It charts the historical development of such policies from prohibition in the 1830s and how opposition to it was overcome in the 1970s, thereby allowing the increasing supplementation of the wages of poorly paid working people.
Social Security for the Elderly: Experiences from South Asia
by S. Irudaya RajanThis book overviews the issue of population ageing in five countries in South Asia and projects the emerging scenarios. With a new field survey, it also documents existing policies and programs on pensions and social security, and examines their fiscal implications for the economy and society. Ageing of population is an inevitable consequence of the process of demographic transition. Being ahead, the developed regions of the world have long experienced its consequences; but the developing world is only now facing the travails of population ageing. Though the population under the age of 15 years in 2000 was estimated to be 3.3 times the size of the population of 60 years and above, the elderly are expected to surpass the number of children under 15 years by the year 2050. Among the elderly, it is the oldest old—those aged 80 years or more, whose numbers would increase most rapidly. Much of this growth would take place in the poor countries of the world. Five South Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal) account for 100 million elderly persons in the beginning of 21st century and it is expected to reach 400 million in 2050. What are the fiscal implications of this tremendous growth for sustaining pensions and social security schemes in South Asia? Are these countries in need of pension reforms? Would these countries be able to provide good health care for the growing population of elderly persons afflicted by multiple diseases and disability? Experts from leading economic research institutions address the issue with a new survey conducted in each country. The book, in effect: Assesses the ageing scenario in five countries in South Asia: past, present, and future; Reviews existing policies and programs on pensions and social security for the elderly; Reports the findings of a sample survey in each of these countries conducted for this work in order to assess the nature, magnitude, and adequacy of various forms of pensions and social assistance; Suggests broad-based comprehensive pension and social security policies in South Asia. .
Social Security in Contemporary Japan: A Comparative Analysis Of Its Livelihood Security System (Routledge/University of Tokyo Series)
by Mari OsawaThe present study analyzes the livelihood security system of contemporary Japan in international comparison from a historical and gender perspective. It posits ‘livelihood security systems’ rather than ‘welfare states’ or ‘welfare regimes’ as its object of analysis to enter the role of non-governmental institutions and of governmental policies reaching beyond income transfers into vision. Based on rich statistical materials, the evolution of Japan’s livelihood security system in recent decades is traced to reveal a rigid male breadwinner orientation increasingly out of step with social realities. The need for remedying the gender bias built into Japan’s social insurance schemes has been politically highlighted since the late 1990s, but legislative action has continued to be deferred. The author argues that at present the livelihood security system of Japan is not only dysfunctional, but actually functioning in reverse, in a sense of furthering social exclusion. The study concludes with suggestions for a possible reconstruction of Japan’s social security system, arguing for an increased role of the ‘third sector’ or ‘social economy’ in livelihood security and care provision. This book will appeal to scholars and students with an interest in social policy, welfare economics and gender studies, as well as Japanese politics and society.
Social Security in the Global Village (International Social Security Ser. #Vol. 8)
by Roland Sigg Christina BehrendtThere is growing recognition that globalization places major pressures on the development of social security schemes. Internationalization of the economy has important consequences for labor markets: employment is becoming less secure and inequality and social exclusion more pronounced in many countries. At the same time, there are some fundamental socio-demographic changes: new family structures, an aging population, and migration. Increased uncertainty and exclusion intensify the need for social security. Both the public and private sectors are redefining their roles, reshuffling responsibilities between states, markets, families, and individuals. Social Security in the Global Village investigates the new challenges for social security in an increasingly globalized world and analyzes strategies of adjustment. A group of internationally renowned experts in this field assess the variety of effects that globalization has had on national social security schemes. A common theme of a first set of chapters is the relationship between common pressures of globalization and the role of national institutional frameworks in shaping the impact of these pressures on social security. Countries are dealing in different ways with these challenges and follow diverse pathways of adjustment that quite often contradict widespread assumptions about the effects of globalization. A second set of chapters is devoted to challenges in selected policy areas: migration, labor markets, and social cohesion issues. Among the topical issues discussed are the social rights of migrants, the changing rights and obligations in unemployment insurance, lessons to be drawn for the promotion of employment, the relationship between family policy and employment policy for mothers, the management of social risks, and the protection of an adequate income in an active welfare state. Research can help to enlighten and inform the policy debate about the legitimacy of social security in the new, glob
The Social Security Primer: What Every Citizen Should Know
by Paul E PetersonOffers a clear understanding of what Social Security has accomplished in the past, challenges it now faces, and possibilities for the future. Outlines the full spectrum of current issues, policies, benefits, and proposed reforms.
Social Security Programs and Retirement around the World: Historical Trends in Mortality and Health, Employment, and Disability Insurance Participation and Reforms
by David A. WiseIn nearly every industrialized country, large aging populations and increased life expectancy have placed enormous pressure on social security programsOCoand, until recently, the pressure has been compounded by a trend toward retirement at an earlier age. With a larger fraction of the population receiving benefits, in coming decades social security in many countries may have to be reformed in order to remain financially viable. This volume offers a cross-country analysis of the effects of disability insurance programs on labor force participation by older workers. Drawing on measures of health that are comparable across countries, the authors explore the extent to which differences in the labor force are determined by disability insurance programs and to what extent disability insurance reforms are prompted by the circumstances of a countryOCOs elderly population.
Social Selves: Theories of Self and Society
by Ian Burkitt"The first edition of this book brought difficult questions about selfhood together with equally awkward issues of power and the 'social'. Not since Mead or Goffman, perhaps, had this been attempted in such a useful way, and in such an assured and accessible text... This completely reworked second edition retains all of these virtues, and takes the original analysis into new territory, not least with new chapters on gender and class... If you're interested in identity - particularly how identity 'works' - this book is essential reading". - Richard Jenkins, Professor of Sociology, Sheffield University "A foundational book, beautifully framed for this new century. The old theories of self and identity must be revisited in these times of global and cultural transformation. What kinds of selves are now available to us? Which theories best help us make sense out of who we are today. Burkitt brilliantly charts a path through this complex set of issues, and we owe him a huge debt for doing so". - Norman K. Denzin, Distinguished Research Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign This new, completely revised version builds on the popular success of the first edition. It seeks to answer the basic social question of 'who am I?' by developing an understanding of self-identity as formed in social relations and social activity. Comprehensive, jargon-free and authoritative, it will be required reading on courses in self and society, identity and personality formation.
Social Service Budgets and Social Policy: British and American Experience (Routledge Revivals)
by H. GlennersterFirst published in 1975, Social Service Budgets and Social Policy compares the attempts by British and US federal governments to plan and control social service expenditure. It concentrates on education, health and social security spending and begins by discussing the contrasting theories of how resource allocation does and ought to work. Then, having compared the broad economic, political and policy contexts within which social planners in the two countries have to work, it scrutinises in particular their attempts at forward planning, output budgeting and programme evaluation. It argues for more explicit and informed decisions about priorities, but as part of an open political process. This book will be of interest to students of economics, sociology and social policy.
Social Service, Private Gain: The Political Economy of Social Impact Bonds
by Jesse Hajer John LoxleyThe 2008 financial crisis and its subsequent economic impacts generated a challenge for national and regional governments across the world. From this economic ruin, the Social Impact Bond (SIB) was born as an alternative mechanism for government procurement and delivery of social public services. Social Service, Private Gain examines the evolution of SIBs, how they work, their theoretical motivation, and their global proliferation. The book critically assesses the potential of SIBs to constructively contribute to solving the multifaceted social challenges emerging from a context of entrenched and growing inequality. Claiming to bring incremental resources to the rescue, SIBs have taken up disproportionate space with new legislation, policy, subsidies, institutional supports, lobbyists, and "intermediaries" facilitating SIBs and thriving on their associated transaction costs. Drawing on mainstream and heterodox economic theory, practical case studies, and empirical data, Jesse Hajer and John Loxley generate new insights based on the limited but still suggestive publicly available data on SIB projects. Challenging the assumptions and narratives put forward by proponents of the model, they offer practical policy recommendations for SIBs and explain what the model tells us about the potential for transformational change for the better.
Social Service Review, volume 96 number 4 (December 2022)
by Social Service ReviewThis is volume 96 issue 4 of Social Service Review. Founded in 1927, Social Service Review is devoted to the publication of thought-provoking, original research on pressing social issues and promising social work practices and social welfare policies. Articles in SSR analyze issues from the vantage points of a broad spectrum of disciplines, theories, and methodological traditions, at the individual, family, community, organizational, and societal levels. Social Service Review features balanced, scholarly contributions from social work and social welfare scholars and from members of the various allied disciplines engaged in research on human behavior, social systems, social structure, history, public policy, and social services.
Social Service Review, volume 97 number 1 (March 2023)
by Social Service ReviewThis is volume 97 issue 1 of Social Service Review. Founded in 1927, Social Service Review is devoted to the publication of thought-provoking, original research on pressing social issues and promising social work practices and social welfare policies. Articles in SSR analyze issues from the vantage points of a broad spectrum of disciplines, theories, and methodological traditions, at the individual, family, community, organizational, and societal levels. Social Service Review features balanced, scholarly contributions from social work and social welfare scholars and from members of the various allied disciplines engaged in research on human behavior, social systems, social structure, history, public policy, and social services.
Social Service Review, volume 97 number 2 (June 2023)
by Social Service ReviewThis is volume 97 issue 2 of Social Service Review. Founded in 1927, Social Service Review is devoted to the publication of thought-provoking, original research on pressing social issues and promising social work practices and social welfare policies. Articles in SSR analyze issues from the vantage points of a broad spectrum of disciplines, theories, and methodological traditions, at the individual, family, community, organizational, and societal levels. Social Service Review features balanced, scholarly contributions from social work and social welfare scholars and from members of the various allied disciplines engaged in research on human behavior, social systems, social structure, history, public policy, and social services.
Social Service Review, volume 97 number 3 (September 2023)
by Social Service ReviewThis is volume 97 issue 3 of Social Service Review. Founded in 1927, Social Service Review is devoted to the publication of thought-provoking, original research on pressing social issues and promising social work practices and social welfare policies. Articles in SSR analyze issues from the vantage points of a broad spectrum of disciplines, theories, and methodological traditions, at the individual, family, community, organizational, and societal levels. Social Service Review features balanced, scholarly contributions from social work and social welfare scholars and from members of the various allied disciplines engaged in research on human behavior, social systems, social structure, history, public policy, and social services.
Social Service Review, volume 97 number 4 (December 2023)
by Social Service ReviewThis is volume 97 issue 4 of Social Service Review. Founded in 1927, Social Service Review is devoted to the publication of thought-provoking, original research on pressing social issues and promising social work practices and social welfare policies. Articles in SSR analyze issues from the vantage points of a broad spectrum of disciplines, theories, and methodological traditions, at the individual, family, community, organizational, and societal levels. Social Service Review features balanced, scholarly contributions from social work and social welfare scholars and from members of the various allied disciplines engaged in research on human behavior, social systems, social structure, history, public policy, and social services.