In the article three strategies of metatheorizing are distinguished: integrative, evolutionary and perspective metatheorizing. The specific features of these strategies are considered. «Integrative metatheorizing» is aimed at identification of common theoretical logic, standardization of the language of description and/or on the development of an integrated theory. The goal of (evolutionary metatheorizing Is to understand the trends and prospects of sociology In changing social and intellectual context This strategy is characterized by the identification of stages, phases, shifts, displacements in sociological knowledge, and by the mapping of past achievements in terms of determining the current state and prospects of the discipline. «PerspectMst metatheorizing» Is aimed at Identification of relatively hermetic and independent configurations, characterized by Internal consistency - paradigms, research programs, models of explanation, etc. The proposed classification treats strategies of metatheorizing in terms of solving the problem of disciplinary fragmentation. Integrative metatheorizing Is based on the search for the common or integrated social theory, evolutionary metatheorizing recognizes the possibility of creating common theory in the future, perspective metatheorizing treats the diversity of sociological knowledge as a natural state and denies assessing the sociological knowledge by universal criteria. The diversity of sociological methods and theories should be accompanied by the variety of models of the knowledge justification, because sociological knowledge performs many functions in different social settings.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)10-19
Number of pages10
JournalSotsiologicheskie Issledovaniya
Volume2017-January
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2017

    Research areas

  • Metatheorizing, Metatheory, Social theory, Sociological research

    Scopus subject areas

  • Sociology and Political Science

ID: 38305112