Global Crises: Complexity Based Research and Practice for Social Transformation

In today’s world, there are interwoven crises affecting us at every level. This book explores the impact of these crises on applied social research. It shows how using a complexity framework in research is key to tackling global challenges effectively.

By featuring illustrative examples from the UK, China, Brazil, South Africa and the US, the authors demonstrate how an action research programme based around the use of existing social research methods embedded in processes of co-production and participation can drive real-time social change.

In doing so, the book highlights the transformative role of action-oriented research in addressing today's complex global challenges.

David Byrne is a retired Professor of Sociology and Applied Social Sciences from the University of Durham and a long time practitioner of action research.

Gill Callaghan is a retired Lecturer in Sociology and Social Policy at Durham University, teaching Social Theory, Evaluation and Research Methods.

Emma Uprichard is Reader at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies, University of Warwick.