What is field theory?

被引:487
作者
Martin, JL [1 ]
机构
[1] Univ Wisconsin, Dept Sociol, Madison, WI 53706 USA
关键词
D O I
10.1086/375201
中图分类号
C91 [社会学];
学科分类号
030301 ; 1204 ;
摘要
Field theory is a more or less coherent approach in the social sciences whose essence is the explanation of regularities in individual action by recourse to position vis-h-vis others. Position in the field indicates the potential for a force exerted on the person, but a force that impinges "from the inside" as opposed to external compulsion. Motivation is accordingly considered to be the paramount example of social structure in action, as opposed to a residue of chance or freedom. While field theory is often castigated for its necessarily tautological definition, this may be far more of an advantage than a defect. Field theory offers social scientists a combination of analytical insight and attention to the concrete; further, the implicit definition of "explanation" that it brings is one that, unlike conventional sociological definitions, is internally consistent and in accord with everyday usage.
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页码:1 / 49
页数:49
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