Regional Politics in Oceania: From Colonialism and Cold War to the Pacific Century provides a comprehensive analysis of the political dynamics in Oceania, examining the region's history and its contemporary challenges. The book explores the interplay between colonialism, the Cold War, and the rise of new global powers in shaping the region's political landscape. It analyzes the complexities of regional cooperation and integration, highlighting the diverse interests and perspectives of the island states. The author uses a multi-faceted approach, drawing on historical analysis, political science theories, and case studies to provide a rich understanding of the region. The book is a valuable resource for scholars and policymakers interested in the Pacific.
The Art and Craft of Comparison offers a unique approach to comparative research, integrating interpretive methods with comparative analysis. The authors challenge traditional comparative politics, emphasizing an actor-centered perspective that considers the beliefs and actions of individuals within their contexts. The book explores the concept of 'dilemmas' as a key tool for comparison, highlighting how similar challenges can arise in vastly different settings. It also provides practical guidance and 'rules of thumb' for researchers navigating the complexities of interpretive comparative research. The book's confessional tone and reliance on the authors' own research experiences make it relatable and engaging.
State of Empowerment: Low-Income Families and the New Welfare State explores the experiences of low-income families navigating the complexities of the welfare system in the United States. The book uses ethnographic methods to examine the interactions between families and welfare programs, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities presented by these systems. It focuses on after-school programs and their impact on families' lives, revealing how these programs can foster civic engagement and empowerment. The author challenges traditional narratives of welfare dependency, offering a more nuanced and hopeful perspective. The book's comparative approach allows for a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences of low-income families.
Personalizing the State: An Anthropology of Law, Politics, and Welfare in Austerity Britain offers a compelling ethnographic study of life in a social housing estate during a period of austerity. The book delves into the daily struggles and interactions of residents with state institutions, revealing the complexities of welfare systems and their impact on individuals' lives. It provides a nuanced understanding of how austerity measures affect people's experiences and agency. The author uses detailed observations and interviews to paint a vivid picture of the challenges faced by residents. The book is a valuable contribution to the understanding of the social and political consequences of austerity.
There are many books giving advice about research methods on the market, but The Art and Craft of Comparison (Cambridge UP, 2019) is the first monographic marriage of comparative and interpretive methods. In this episode of the special series New Books in Interpretive Political and Social Science, two of its authors, John Boswell and Jack Corbett, discuss their confessional tone in the book, the dilemmas of comparative-interpretive research, some of their rules of thumb for starting and finishing political research that aims for creative comparison, and why Chat GPT is no substitute for embodied, immersive interpretation. Embrace the grind!
Like this episode? You might also be interested in others in the series with co-authors talking about their work, including Erica Simmons and Nicholas Rush Smith, Mark Bevir and Jason Blakely, Peregrine Schwartz-Shea and Dvora Yanow, and Aarie Glas and Jessica Soedirgo talking about Lee Ann Fujii’s Interviewing in Social Science Research.
Looking around for something to read? If so, then John recommends Personalizing the State by Insa Lee Koch, and State of Empowerment by Carolyn Barnes, while Jack recommends Stephanie Lawson’s Regional Politics in Oceania.
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New Books in Sociology