Cities and the Knowledge Economy is an in-depth, interdisciplinary, international and comparative examination of the relationship between knowledge and urban development in the contemporary era. Through the lenses of promise, politics and possibility, it examines how the knowledge economy has arisen, how different cities have sought to realise its potential, how universities play a role in its realisation and, overall, what this reveals about the relationship between politics, capitalism, space, place and knowledge in cities. The book argues that the 21st century city has been predicated on particular circuits of knowledge that constitute expertise as residing in elite and professional epistemic communities. In contrast, alternative conceptions of the knowledge society are founded on assumptions which take analysis, deliberation, democracy and the role of the citizen and communities of practice seriously. Drawing on a range of examples from cities around the world, the book reflects on these possibilities and asks what roles the practice of 'active intermediation', the university and a critical and engaged social scientific practice can all play in this process. The book is aimed at researchers and students from different disciplines - geography, politics, sociology, business studies, economics and planning - with interests in contemporary urbanism and the role of knowledge in understanding development, as well as urban policymakers, politicians and practitioners who are concerned with the future of our cities and seek to create coalitions of different communities oriented towards more just and sustainable futures.

This is an accessible introduction to the philosophy of social research which relates philosophical ideas to actual research practice. The book makes effective use of illustrations from the UK, US and Europe to examine specific problems and broader issues. The book is intended for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in social research methods within sociology, social policy, politics, social psychology, human geography; philosophy of social science and social theory courses; and as a personal reference for professional researchers.

This is an accessible introduction to the philosophy of social research which relates philosophical ideas to actual research practice. The book makes effective use of illustrations from the UK, US and Europe to examine specific problems and broader issues. The book is intended for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in social research methods within sociology, social policy, politics, social psychology, human geography; philosophy of social science and social theory courses; and as a personal reference for professional researchers.

"In this era of bountiful visual, qualitative and informationalised knowledge of the social world a conscientious guide to social research is ever more valuable...this is a knowledgeably written, highly engaging and genuinely interesting book." Dr Pamela Odih BSoc.Sc. PhD. Senior Lecturer Goldsmiths University of London, UK "A timely focus on intersectionality, decoloniality, as well as digital, participatory, collaborative methods and the relationship between knowledge, power and action, are all compelling new additions" Anastasia Christou, Associate Professor of Sociology, Middlesex University, UK "This is the best kind of companion for social researchers: a clear, concise, and practical overview of the foundations of the field...grounded in critical reflection about ethics and power, and skilfully assembled to both support and inspire." Dr Oliver Escobar, Senior Lecturer, University of Edinburgh, UK "The longevity of May and Perry's 'Social Research' is richly deserved...combining a sophisticated approach to the unity of theory, method, and context, with clarity and approachability." Malcolm Williams, Professor and Co-Director of the Q-Step Centre, Cardiff University, UK "Equally valuable for the newcomer and the experienced researcher, the book is elegantly structured and beautifully written, as is always the case with May and Perry's work." Davydd J. Greenwood, Goldwin Smith Professor of Anthropology Emeritus, Cornell University, USA Corresponding Member, Spanish Royal Academy of Moral and Political Sciences Fully revised and updated, Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process 5th edition bridges the gap between theory and methods in social research and clearly illuminates these essential components for understanding the dynamics of social relations. The book is divided into three parts. Part One examines the issues and perspectives in social research, Part Two discusses the methods and Part Three is devoted to reflections on the process of research. Updates to this edition include: * Two new chapters on working across boundaries and digital research, reflecting critical developments that are shaping the landscape of social research * Broadening consideration of issues including intersectionality and de-colonial research methods, along with the relationship between knowledge, power, and action * Revised 'Discuss, Discover, Do' sections with expanded suggestions for follow-on activities * Carefully integrated reflections and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic throughout to draw attention to critical issues The authors aim to support and inspire, with a clear and accessible writing style that enables students to identify the key issues in social research and how to successfully navigate them. Social Research 5e is the ideal companion to social research for students across the social sciences and for academics and practitioners wishing to remain well-informed on key developments in the field. Beth Perry is Professor of Urban Knowledge and Governance, and Director of the Urban Institute at the University of Sheffield, UK. Tim May is a Professorial Fellow at the University of Sheffield, UK and an Honorary Distinguished Professor at the University of Cardiff, UK.

Cities and the Knowledge Economy is an in-depth, interdisciplinary, international and comparative examination of the relationship between knowledge and urban development in the contemporary era. Through the lenses of promise, politics and possibility, it examines how the knowledge economy has arisen, how different cities have sought to realise its potential, how universities play a role in its realisation and, overall, what this reveals about the relationship between politics, capitalism, space, place and knowledge in cities. The book argues that the 21st century city has been predicated on particular circuits of knowledge that constitute expertise as residing in elite and professional epistemic communities. In contrast, alternative conceptions of the knowledge society are founded on assumptions which take analysis, deliberation, democracy and the role of the citizen and communities of practice seriously. Drawing on a range of examples from cities around the world, the book reflects on these possibilities and asks what roles the practice of 'active intermediation', the university and a critical and engaged social scientific practice can all play in this process. The book is aimed at researchers and students from different disciplines - geography, politics, sociology, business studies, economics and planning - with interests in contemporary urbanism and the role of knowledge in understanding development, as well as urban policymakers, politicians and practitioners who are concerned with the future of our cities and seek to create coalitions of different communities oriented towards more just and sustainable futures.

What are the critical gaps in thinking about reflexivity and social research? How is reflexive practice shaped by the contexts and cultures in which researchers work? How might research practice respond to twin demands of excellence and relevance in the knowledge-based economy? Thinking reflexively about the inter-relationships between social research and societal practices is all the more important in the so-called knowledge economy. Developing reflexive practices in social research is not achieved through applying a method. Where and how researchers work is fundamental in shaping the capacities and capabilities to produce research as content and context lie in a dynamic interaction. This book not only provides a history of reflexive thought, but its consequences for the practice of social research and an understanding of the contexts in which it is produced. It provides critical insights into the implications of reflexivity through a discussion of positioning, belonging and degrees of epistemic permeability in disciplines. It is also highly innovative in its suggestions for ways forward in research practice through the introduction of active intermediaries. Overall, the book offers an exciting new position on reflexive research that will generate much debate through its successful achievement of two difficult feats: providing essential reading for orientations on reflexivity and social research in the twenty-first century and making a landmark contribution to thinking and practice in the field. Social Research and Reflexivity is suitable for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and social researchers in general across a number of disciplines including geography, social research, management and organizations; economics, urban studies, sociology, social policy, anthropology and politics, as well as science and technology studies.

Reflexivity - the critical examination of how we see the world - is integral to good research practice. From this state-of-the-art, accessible tour of its history and contemporary relevance, readers will learn of its importance to social research and to society generally. The text introduces a host of influential thinkers and their key ideas on reflexivity, and incorporates examples from a range of disciplines and research settings. Drawing on the authors' extensive experience of real research settings, this book: Pinpoints the importance of reflexivity in social research Demonstrates its relevance to everyday life Firmly locates the concept in the history of ideas Explores key questions about the bases of knowledge and understanding Presents key thinkers, concepts and issues in easy-to-understand learning boxes The result is a book that provides students and researchers in the social sciences with the knowledge and understanding necessary not only to examine the role of reflexivity in contemporary life, but to apply it in their own research practice.

Reflexivity - the critical examination of how we see the world - is integral to good research practice. From this state-of-the-art, accessible tour of its history and contemporary relevance, readers will learn of its importance to social research and to society generally. The text introduces a host of influential thinkers and their key ideas on reflexivity, and incorporates examples from a range of disciplines and research settings. Drawing on the authors' extensive experience of real research settings, this book: Pinpoints the importance of reflexivity in social research Demonstrates its relevance to everyday life Firmly locates the concept in the history of ideas Explores key questions about the bases of knowledge and understanding Presents key thinkers, concepts and issues in easy-to-understand learning boxes The result is a book that provides students and researchers in the social sciences with the knowledge and understanding necessary not only to examine the role of reflexivity in contemporary life, but to apply it in their own research practice.

Is YOUR Family Struggling Because of an Alcoholic? Do you want to laugh again? Do you want to hang out with normal, healthy, fun-loving people again? Do you want to stop making excuses and lies for your alcoholic spouse? Do you want to feel beautiful, happier, healthier and confident again? Do you want your children to feel like they are a part of a family again? Do you want to stop the vicious cycle of destruction caused by alcoholism? Then you will want to start by giving YOURSELF a little hope. This book provides a daily quote, a hope creation thought, an illustration and then an application step for 30 days to help you become a Hope Creator. You will also have the opportunity to email me personally with your thoughts and questions as you attempt to apply these steps to your life and family.

"This is an excellent collection at the cutting edge of thinking about qualitative research.... The breadth of coverage and the sophistication of the discussion make this an important addition to the increasing literature on qualitative work."

Working with Offenders examines the current knowledge, skills and values which are needed by those working as probation officers and social workers for effective and competent practice. As well as looking at areas of practice which are of central importance to the altering roles of practitioners, this original textbook provides a critical appraisal of the policies and requirements which guide those roles. Written in an accessible style by experienced academics and professionals, the book examines: the issues which inform practice - training, skills and competences, antidiscriminatory practice, autonomy and accountability, masculinity and the causes of crime; the contexts in which work with offenders take place - probation committees, boards, pre-sentence reports, community penalties, prison, and the community; and the outcomes of good practice - including partnerships against crime, efficiency, effectiveness and an evaluation of crime prevention and broader methods of intervention.

This book has two central aims. First, to demonstrate the importance of qualitative research through an examination of the type of data that it is capable of producing. Second, to do so using first-hand research accounts of ethnographic work. Toward these ends, the contributors cover a variety of topics: drug dealing; football hooliganism; entrepreneurial crime; the culture of policing; policing and the miners' strike; protest at Greenham Common; the politics of organizational change and race and sexuality in the field-work process. In reflecting upon personal experiences of field-work, together with the research strategies employed, the authors illustrate their arguments in both a detailed and accessible manner. The themes they discuss include the ethics and politics of field-work; reflexivity and data production; feminist field-work; the publication and production of studies, and an examination of the contrasting cultures of academia and what is normally termed the `field', where knowledges are authenticated according to different rules and power relations. As a result, Interpreting the Field, will have wide appeal for those who wish to understand the dynamics, advantages, and problems associated with ethnographic work: for example, undergraduates and post-graduates undertaking their own research. It will also be of interest to methodologists and those working in the areas of crime, deviance, and organizational studies, as well as general readers of social science literature.

What are the critical gaps in thinking about reflexivity and social research? How is reflexive practice shaped by the contexts and cultures in which researchers work? How might research practice respond to twin demands of excellence and relevance in the knowledge-based economy? Thinking reflexively about the inter-relationships between social research and societal practices is all the more important in the so-called knowledge economy. Developing reflexive practices in social research is not achieved through applying a method. Where and how researchers work is fundamental in shaping the capacities and capabilities to produce research as content and context lie in a dynamic interaction. This book not only provides a history of reflexive thought, but its consequences for the practice of social research and an understanding of the contexts in which it is produced. It provides critical insights into the implications of reflexivity through a discussion of positioning, belonging and degrees of epistemic permeability in disciplines. It is also highly innovative in its suggestions for ways forward in research practice through the introduction of active intermediaries. Overall, the book offers an exciting new position on reflexive research that will generate much debate through its successful achievement of two difficult feats: providing essential reading for orientations on reflexivity and social research in the twenty-first century and making a landmark contribution to thinking and practice in the field. Social Research and Reflexivity is suitable for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and social researchers in general across a number of disciplines including geography, social research, management and organizations; economics, urban studies, sociology, social policy, anthropology and politics, as well as science and technology studies.