INT 200 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Comparative Politics, Theda Skocpol
Document Summary
Main argument: author seeks to address the state of theory in comparative politics today because he doesn"t believe it"s taken seriously anymore. Author seeks to advance theory comparative politics in the following 3 ways: Recognize 3 ideal-type research traditions: rationalists, culturalist, structuralist. Ontology: rational actors, actions, beliefs, desires, methodological, individualism. Ontology: norms, act on basis of cultural baggage. Methodology: interpretation; how does community understand self, what matters, motivates, concerns. *these 3 school can not only coexist, but the debate between the three can lead to better research and inquiry . Set dialogue among schools within historical context of social theory"s development. Set dialogue among schools within historical situation seen by comparativists today. Ultimately the author seeks a balance between those asking the questions and those appreciating the answers. Comparing these theories: a culturalist might look @ one community; case study (one element in great detail).
