The third volume on theoretical driven methodology in the social sciences, again edited by Hakon Leiulfsrud and Peter Sohlberg, explains how to identify sociological research objects, and the art of living theory. Theoretical concepts such as social structure, the Global South, social bonds, organisations and management are explore and developed by a broad range of authors. The methodological chapters, including critical notes on sociology and uses of statistics, the value of thought experiments in sociology, researching subjects in time and space, and an academic 'star war' between Pierre Bourdieu and Dorothy E. Smith are indispensible for researchers and students interested in theoretical construction work in the social sciences. Contributors are: Goeran Ahrne, Michela Betta, Harriet Bjerrum Nielsen, Michael Burawoy, Raju Das, David Fasenfest, Raimund Hasse, Johs Hjellbrekke, Hakon Leiulfsrud, Emil A. Royrvik, John Scott, Peter Sohlberg, Karin Widerberg and Richard Swedberg.

An understanding of the complex consequences of social processes and social design activities necessitates a holistic systemic perspective, systematised in the classic structural-functional research tradition, which is presented in Functionalist Construction Work in Social Science. In contrast to fragmented discussions of functionalism and functional analyses, the approach here covers a span ranging from ontological, epistemological and primarily methodological aspects of functionalism. The functionalist tradition in social science is placed in a historic context, and problematised from a philosophy of science perspective. Unique here is a detailed account of four classic functionalist research programmes with a discussion of functionalism, not primarily as a worldview, but as systematic knowledge-generating research strategies. In addition to descriptive and causal questions, the importance of a further research question is demonstrated, i.e., the identification of crucial problems of social organisation. Functionalist research strategies and functional analysis are of interest for social scientists and students in sociology, political science, and social anthropology. Moreover, the book is relevant for researchers and students of philosophy of science and social science methodology

An understanding of the complex consequences of social processes and social design activities necessitates a holistic systemic perspective, systematised in the classic structural-functional research tradition, which is presented in Functionalist Construction Work in Social Science. In contrast to fragmented discussions of functionalism and functional analyses, the approach here covers a span ranging from ontological, epistemological and primarily methodological aspects of functionalism. The functionalist tradition in social science is placed in a historic context, and problematised from a philosophy of science perspective. Unique here is a detailed account of four classic functionalist research programmes with a discussion of functionalism, not primarily as a worldview, but as systematic knowledge-generating research strategies. In addition to descriptive and causal questions, the importance of a further research question is demonstrated, i.e., the identification of crucial problems of social organisation. Functionalist research strategies and functional analysis are of interest for social scientists and students in sociology, political science, and social anthropology. Moreover, the book is relevant for researchers and students of philosophy of science and social science methodology

Constructing Social Research Objects is the third volume on theoretically driven methodology in the social sciences edited by Hakon Leiulfsrud and Peter Sohlberg. This essential new volume explains how to identify sociological research objects, and explores the art of living theory. Theoretical concepts such as social structure, the Global South, social bonds, organizations and management are examined and developed by a broad range of the discipline's most influential authors. The methodological chapters-including critical notes on sociology and the uses of statistics, the value of thought experiments in sociology, how to research subjects in time and space, and the academic 'star war' between Pierre Bourdieu and Dorothy E. Smith-offer indispensable insights for researchers and students interested in theoretical construction work in the social sciences. Contributors are: Goeran Ahrne, Michela Betta, Harriet Bjerrum Nielsen, Michael Burawoy, Raju Das, David Fasenfest, Raimund Hasse, Johs Hjellbrekke, Hakon Leiulfsrud, Emil A. Royrvik, John Scott, Peter Sohlberg, Karin Widerberg and Richard Swedberg.

How to approach social theory actively and tie it to practical work and method has long been a challenge for professional scholars and students. Theory in Action explores the active use of theorising for constructing and generating new knowledge. With essays covering key aspects of social theory, this will prove hugely valuable to those at all levels conducting concrete research.

Concepts in Action provides us with examples of the active and creative use of concepts for constructing and generating new knowledge. Examples of theoretic constructions and topics discussed refers to the function of theory in mainstream sociology; concepts enabling us to expand the range of interpretations; a critical view and approach to general concepts of culture, nature and consumption; concepts dealing with organization, institutions and actors; and examples of travelling concepts such as class, gender, race and social recognition.