Methodological Reflections on Practice Oriented Theories

This volume presents a comprehensive overview of methodological issues and empirical methods of practice-oriented research. It examines questions regarding the scope and boundaries of practice-oriented approaches and practice theory. It discusses the potential advantages and disadvantages of the diversity resulting from the use of these approaches, as well as method and methodology-related issues. The specific questions explored in this volume are: What consequences are linked to the application of a praxeological perspective in empirical research when it comes to the choice of methods? Is there such a thing as an ideal path to follow in praxeological empirical research? What relationship is there between qualitative and quantitative approaches? What differentiates practice-based social research from other perspectives and approaches such as discourse analysis or hermeneutics? The contributions in this book discuss these questions either from a methodological point of view or from a reflective perspective on empirical research practices.

Michael Jonas is a senior researcher at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Vienna¸ Division Socio-Ecological Transformation. Following a praxeological perspective, he is currently researching social inequality, injustice and unsustainability at a global level. He teaches at several universities. 

Beate Littig is a sociologist and Head of the Division Socio-Ecological Transformation Research (SET) at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Vienna. In addition she is a permanent lecturer at the University of Vienna and teaches at international summer schools and workshops. Her research interests are the future of work, social sustainability, practices of change, gender studies and qualitative research methods. 

Angela Wroblewski is senior researcher at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Vienna, Division Socio-Ecological Transformation. Her current research focuses on the analysis of equality policies in academia and employment as well as the development of gender indicators.