Dissecting the Social: On the Principles of Analytical Sociology

Building on his earlier influential contributions to contemporary debates on social theory, Peter Hedstrom argues for a systematic development of sociological theory so that it has the explanatory power and precision to inform sociological research and understanding–qualities lacking in much of the grand social theorizing currently fashionable.In the 1950s Merton introduced the notion of middle-range theory; theories capable of explaining specific empirical events and processes, yet built upon general explanatory principles. Hedstrom’s book is the best example of this type of approach in contemporary sociology. It may not appeal to the likes of H. Gintis who wants grand and speculative theories of the evolution of human societies, but for the rest of us, this is the way to go!

Contents
1 The analytical tradition in sociology
2 Social mechanisms and explanatory theory
3 Action and interaction
4 Social interaction and social change
5 On causal modelling
6 Quantitative research, agent-based modelling and theories of the social (with Yvonne Aberg)
7 Coda
References
Index