Methods, Sex and Madness by Derek Layder

Methods, Sex and Madness by Derek Layder

Social research yields knowledge which powerfully affects our daily lives. The 'facts' it generates shape not just how we see ourselves and others, but also whether or not we see the existing status quo as normal, just and legitimate. This book examines and questions the methods used by social researchers to produce such knowledge. It focuses chiefly on research into human sexuality and madness. It introduces and critically assesses everything from survey methods to participant observation. It opens up broader philosophical debates about the nature of knowledge, and highlights issues surrounding the ethics and politics of research. The book looks at the research community and the research process in detail before moving on to examine the main techniques used in social research: * the use of official statistics * the survey method * interviewing * laboratory observation * ethnography * the use of documentary sources * textual analysis. By exploring both technical and conceptual problems in the work of researchers like Freud and Kinsey, and by considering the difficulties faced by researchers concerned with phenomena such as rape, witch hunts and prostitution this book makes methodological issues both interesting and accessible.

'.. it is certainly a very valuable read to those studying on advanced research methods courses. It would be much more essential for anyone researching gender and sexuality issues.' - Nursing Times

'A unique new contribution that is anything but boring. As the title indicates, the authors focus on sex and madness in their treatment of research methods ... A useful text to use in undergraduate introductory methods courses ... well-written and, unlike most methods texts, enjoyable to read.' - Reviewing Sociology.

Julia O’Connell Davidson is Lecturer in Sociology., Derek Layder is Reader in Sociology at the University of Leicester.

SKU	Nicht verfügbar
ISBN 13	9780415097642
ISBN 10	0415097649
Titel	Methods, Sex and Madness
Autor	Derek Layder
Buchzustand	Nicht verfügbar
Bindungsart	Paperback
Verlag	Taylor & Francis Ltd
Erscheinungsjahr	1994-10-06
Seitenanzahl	254
Hinweis auf dem Einband	Die Abbildung des Buches dient nur Illustrationszwecken, die tatsächliche Bindung, das Cover und die Auflage können sich davon unterscheiden.
Hinweis	Nicht verfügbar