Interpretive political science : selected essays. Volume II / R.A.W. Rhodes.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Rhodes, R. A. W., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Political science.

Physical Description:

x, 266 pages ; 24 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2017.

Summary:

Interpretive Political Science' is the second of two volumes featuring a selection of key writings by R.A.W. Rhodes. Volume II looks forward and explores the 'interpretive turn' and its implications for the craft of political science, especially public administration, and draws together articles from 2005 onwards on the theme of 'the interpretive turn' in political science. Part I provides a summary statement of the interpretive approach, and Part II develops the theme of blurring genres and discusses a variety of research methods common in the humanities, including: ethnographic fieldwork, life history, and focus groups. Part III demonstrates how the genres of thought and presentation found in the humanities can be used in political science. It presents four examples of such blurring 'at work' with studies of: applied anthropology and civil service reform; women's studies and government departments; and storytelling and local knowledge. The book concludes with a summary of what is edifying about an interpretive approach, and why this approach matters, and revisits some of the more common criticisms before indulging in plausible conjectures about the future of interpretivism. The author seeks new and interesting ways to explore governance, high politics, public policies, and the study of public administration in general. 0.

Contents:

1 Further on Down the Road, Blurring Genres 3

Part I Theory

2 On Interpretation 17

Part II Methods

3 On Ethnography 39

4 On Being There? 57

5 On Focus Groups 81

6 On Life History 96

7 On Court Politics 115

Part III Applications

8 On Greedy Institutions 133

9 On Reform 152

10 On Local Knowledge 168

11 On Westminster 184

Conclusion

12 What is New About the 'Interpretive Turn' and Why Does it Matter? 207.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

9780198786115

0198786115

OCLC:

1002419810