Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences: An Introduction (Business and the World Economy; 9)

This is the first introduction to chaos theory for social science students. It discusses key concepts and shows how the use of complexity theory can transform the study of central issues in social research such as: • urban studies • education • health. For the past two decades, 'complexity' has informed a range of work across the social sciences. There are diverse schools of complexity thinking, and authors have used these ideas in a multiplicity of ways, from health inequalities to the organization of large scale firms. Some understand complexity as emergence from the rule-based interactions of simple agents and explore it through agent-based modelling. Others argue against such 'restricted complexity' and for the development of case-based narratives deploying a much wider set of approaches and techniques. Major social theorists have been reinterpreted through a complexity lens and the whole methodological programme of the social sciences has been recast in complexity terms. In four parts, this book seeks to establish 'the state of the art' of complexity-informed social science as it stands now, examining:the key issues in complexity theory the implications of complexity theory for social theory the methodology and methods of complexity theory complexity within disciplines and fields. It also points ways forward towards a complexity-informed social science for the twenty-first century, investigating the argument for a post-disciplinary, 'open' social science. Byrne and Callaghan consider how this might be developed as a programme of teaching and research within social science. This book will be particularly relevant for, and interesting to, students and scholars of social research methods, social theory, business and organization studies, health, education, urban studies and development studies

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.

This Work 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. Understanding The Complex -- The Reality Of The Complex: The Complexity Of The Real -- Complexity And The Quantitative Programme In Social Science -- Analysing Social Complexity -- Complex Spaces: Regions, Cities And Neighbourhoods In A Complex World -- The Complex Character Of Health And Illness -- Complexity, Education And Change -- Complexity And Policy: The Limits To Urban Governance. David Byrne. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 189-197) And Index. Chaos and complexity are the new buzz words in both science and in contemporary society. The ideas they represent have enormous implications for the way we understand and engage with the world. This work 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, it should allow 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