Summary
Contents
Subject index
The Politics of Constructionism presents a broadranging and critical overview of the many themes of social constructionism and its relevance to contemporary social and political issues. Clearly structured and bringing together leading international contributors from across the social sciences, it offers an invaluable may through this rich body of literature. Major questions and topics explored in its critique and application of constructionist ideas include the theory and practice of scientific method, the development of social and political policy, the use of social science statistical methods, self-identity and the politics of collective identities, and technological advances in reproductive medicine. Drawing on insights from psychology, sociology, politics, philosophy, cultural, gender, and social studies, The Politics of Constructionism links the discourse of constructionism to the wider social and political world and offers much to suggest that, contrary to the final impoverishment claimed by some of postmodernism, social science is witnessing the beginning of a new enrichment. It will be essential reading for all students and academics interested in social constructionism and contemporary issues and debates across the social sciences.
Towards a Constructivist Genealogy of Social Constructivism
Towards a Constructivist Genealogy of Social Constructivism
Genealogies of academic fields typically take the form of disciplinary histories. They specify legacies of ancestors, founders and followers linked together by ideas and scholastic connections. Disciplines (or schools, literatures, perspectives, approaches, epistemic communities, movements, etc.) are thus defined predominantly in terms of individual cognitive achievements. Although it is always possible to outline a genealogy of constructivism along such lines, to do so is incommensurable with the emphasis on social practice and cognitive disunity that is so prominent in constructivist accounts. Constructivists openly espouse multivocality and anti-foundationalism; they defend subjugated knowledges against unitary notions of progress. In a word, they are incredulous toward master narratives (Lyotard, 1984). In the spirit of such incredulity, ...
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