Social Sciences and Modern States: National Experiences and Theoretical Crossroads (Advances in Political Science) - Softcover

Wagner, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 052106404X ISBN 13: 9780521064040

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

Modern social sciences have been committed to the improvement of public policy. However, doubts have arisen about the possibility and desirability of a policy-oriented social science. In this book, leading specialists in the field analyse both the development and failings of policy-oriented social science. In contrast to other writings on the subject, this volume presents a distinctively historical and comparative approach. By looking at earlier periods, the contributors demonstrate how policy orientation has been central to the emergence and evolution of the social sciences as a form of professional activity. Case studies of rarely examined societies such as Poland, Brazil and Japan further demonstrate the various ways in which intellectual developments have been shaped by the societal contexts in which they have emerged and how they have taken part in the shaping of these societies.

About this title

Book Description:

Modern social sciences have, over the past forty years, been committed to the improvement of public policy. More recently, however, doubts have arisen about the possibility and desirability of a policy-oriented social science. In this book, leading specialists in the field analyse both the development and failings of policy-oriented social science.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 052106404X
• ISBN 13: 9780521064040
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 392