Search Result

Srl

Item

ID: 112128

Discovery and denial: social science theory and interdisciplinarity in African studies / Bryceson, Deborah Fahy

Bryceson, Deborah Fahy	Journal Article
	0 Rating(s) & 0 Review(s)

Publication

2012.

Summary/Abstract

This article discusses the ebb and flow of theoretical ideas in African Studies, specifically the interface between African Studies and Development Studies. It explores the epistemological nature of interdisciplinarity in African Studies, interrogating when and how theoretical insight may contribute to an understanding of material reality and welfare improvement in some circumstances, and miss the mark by a wide margin in other cases. The purpose of this exercise is to stimulate reflection on the contribution of African Studies to continental and global intellectual and material change, juxtaposing African Studies theory and its role as an applied field of study. This necessitates consideration of Africa's position in the interplay of world politics and the power of agenda-setting international institutions, notably the World Bank.

Key Words

World Bank ; Africa ; African Studies ; Social Science Theory

Links

'Full Text'

In Basket

Export

ID: 114452

Writing Russia's future: paradigms, drivers, and scenarios / Bacon, Edwin

Bacon, Edwin	Journal Article
	0 Rating(s) & 0 Review(s)

Publication

2012.

Summary/Abstract

The development of prediction and forecasting in the social sciences over the past century and more is closely linked with developments in Russia. The Soviet collapse undermined confidence in predictive capabilities, and scenario planning emerged as the dominant future-oriented methodology in area studies, including the study of Russia. Scenarists anticipate multiple futures rather than predicting one. The approach is too rarely critiqued. Building on an account of Russia-related forecasting in the twentieth century, analysis of two decades of scenarios reveals uniform accounts which downplay the insights of experts and of social science theory alike.

Key Words

Russia ; Social Science Theory ; Russia's Future ; Soviet Union

In Basket

Export