Challenging the mainstream orthodoxy of social scientific methodology, which closely guards the boundaries between the social sciences and the arts and humanities, this volume reveals that authors and artists are often engaged in projects parallel to those of the social sciences and vice versa.
Imaginative Methodologies in the Social Sciences develops, expands and challenges conventional social scientific methodology and language by way of literary, poetic and other alternative sources of inspiration, as sociologists, social workers, anthropologists, criminologists and psychologists all rethink, provoke and reignite social scientific methodology. Challenging the mainstream orthodoxy of social scientific methodology, which closely guards the boundaries between the social sciences and the arts and humanities, this volume reveals that authors and artists are often engaged in projects parallel to those of the social sciences and vice versa, thus demonstrating that artistic and cultural production does not necessarily constitute a specialist field, but is in fact integral to social reality. As such, it will be of interest to scholars and students in the social sciences and across the arts and humanities working on the philosophy of social science, methodology, social theory, creativity, poetics, pedagogy and other related topics.
'Opening ourselves up to imaginative possibilities is an important corrective to sterile discussions on methodology. This collection of chapters, by leading and emerging authors, takes the reader on an insightful journey which advances our understanding of the contemporary world. For this reason it will appeal to those who, in their teaching and research, wish to explore how artistic and literary creativity enhances the methodological imagination.' Tim May, University of Salford, UK 'Imaginative Methodologies is a call to embrace creativity, think unconventionally, write poetically, and find inspiration wherever we can as we study social life, grasp the human condition, and communicate sociological knowledge. Eager to expand my repertoire as a teacher, researcher, and writer, I am happy to accept the invitation.' Todd Schoepflin, Niagara University, USA 'This is a sociological treat. Instead of the false security provided by traditional books on methodology the reader is invited into the many worlds of the sociological imagination. Here doing social science - researching, writing and teaching - is taken seriously as an art form, open to experiments and innovative approaches.' Orvar Löfgren, Lund University, Sweden
