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Sociological Research: Contemporary Characteristics

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Sociology in South Africa

Part of the book series: Sociology Transformed ((SOTR))

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Abstract

A few characteristics are significant in the contemporary sociological scene in South Africa. Methodological orientations and preferences, fragmentation and specialization, collaboration, and internationalization are the major ones. Qualitative methodologies are the preferred approach for sociologists in South Africa. As far as the key research areas are concerned, South African sociology is more fragmented than focused or specialized. Collaboration among sociologists is not as strong as in the natural science disciplines in the country. The association between quantitative methodology and collaboration is obvious in the research publications of South African sociologists. Rather than within sociology departments, collaboration prevails more between sociology and other departments. Internationalization in South African sociology is yet to take deep root, but South African sociologists are active participants in international sociological activities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

    R. Sooryamoorthy

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  1. R. Sooryamoorthy
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Sooryamoorthy, R. (2016). Sociological Research: Contemporary Characteristics. In: Sociology in South Africa. Sociology Transformed. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40325-0_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40325-0_5

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-40324-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-40325-0

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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