Chaos and complexity are the new buzz words in both science and contemporary society. The ideas they represent have enormous implications for the way we understand and engage with the world. Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences introduces students to the central ideas which surround the chaos/complexity theories. It discusses key concepts before using them as a way of investigating the nature of social research. By applying them to such familiar topics as urban studies, education and health, David Byrne allows readers new to the subject to appreciate the contribution which complexity theory can make to social research and to illuminating the crucial social issues of our day.

Autorentext

David Byrne is Senior Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Durham. He is author of Beyond the Inner City and has published a number of articles in urban sociology and social policy.

Inhalt

Acknowledgements Introduction 1. Understanding the complex 2. The reality of the complex: the complexity of the real 3. Complexity and the quantitative programme in social science 4. Analysing social complexity 5. Complex spaces: regions, cities and neighbourhoods in a complex world 6. The complex character of health and illness 7. Complexity, education and change 8. Complexity and policy: the limits to urban governance 9. Conclusion Glossary Notes Bibliography Index