Clinical analysis in the social sciences - Towards a practical epistemology

Journal/Book: Int Sociol. 1997; 12: 6 Bonhill Street, London, England EC2A 4PU. Sage Publications Ltd. 191-203.

Abstract: Some definitions of the clinical approach are examined in order to explore the basic structural elements of this methodological perspective. The relation of the social researcher to the situation and people she or he is studying follows a dialectical movement from involvement in the subjectivity of the Other to constructing distance - an involvement-distanciation relation. This clinical stand is a necessary condition to the production of scientific knowledge. It can be related to similar methodological approaches or techniques, such as the case study, life histories (or stories) and field journals. In this way, clinical sociology constitutes an important epistemological practice.

Note: Article Houle G, Univ Montreal, Dept Sociol, CP 6128, Succursale Ctr Ville, Montreal, PQ H3C 3J7, CANADA

Keyword(s): case-study; clinical method; common sense; fieldwork; life stories

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