Making Social Science Matter Why Social Inquiry Fails and How it Can Succeed Again

Making Social Science Matter presents an exciting new approach to social science, including theoretical argument, methodological guidelines, and examples of practical application. Why has social science failed in attempts to emulate natural science and produce normal theory? Bent Flyvbjerg argues that the strength of social science is in its rich, reflexive analysis of values and power, essential to the social and economic development of any society. Richly informed, powerfully argued, and clearly written, this book provides essential reading for all those in the social and behavioral sciences.

Bent Flyvbjerg is Professor of Planning at the Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University, Denmark. He was twice a Visiting Fulbright Scholar to the US and has done research at UCLA, UC Berkeley, and Harvard University. He is the author of numerous publications translated into 15 languages. His most recent books are Megaprojects and Risk (Cambridge), Making Social Science Matter (Cambridge), and Rationality and Power (Chicago). His interests are both theoretical and practical. He works internationally as an advisor on urban policy and planning, including for the European Union, the United Nations, national governments, and private companies.