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Dynamics of Theory Change in the Social Sciences

Author

Listed:
  • Stephen G. Brush

    (Department of History and Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland at College Park)

Abstract

The extent to which theories in the social sciences are accepted or rejected on the basis of empirical tests can be shown only by a detailed analysis of specific cases. The author examines the reception by social scientists in the 1970s and early 1980s of T. R. Gurr's theory of collective violence based on the concept of relative deprivation. The history of this theory may be considered an example of definite progress in social science: a hypothesis widely accepted at one time has been tested and rejected, thus making room for the development of alternative hypotheses. But although Gurr and other advocates of the theory have abandoned it in its original form following the mostly negative results of empirical tests, many social scientists (especially psychologists) have continued to cite it favorably. Slightly less than half of the unfavorable citations have been supported by references to empirical evidence.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen G. Brush, 1996. "Dynamics of Theory Change in the Social Sciences," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 40(4), pages 523-545, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:40:y:1996:i:4:p:523-545
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002796040004001
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Muller, Edward N., 1972. "A Test of a Partial Theory of Potential for Political Violence," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 66(3), pages 928-959, September.
    2. Miller, Abraham H. & Bolce, Louis H. & Halligan, Mark, 1977. "The J-Curve Theory and the Black Urban Riots: An Empirical Test of Progressive Relative Deprivation Theory," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 71(3), pages 964-982, September.
    3. Freeman, Michael, 1972. "Review Article: Theories of Revolution," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 2(3), pages 340-360, July.
    4. Dahl, Robert A., 1961. "The Behavioral Approach in Political Science: Epitaph for a Monument to a Successful Protest," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 55(4), pages 763-772, December.
    5. Edward N. Muller & Erich Weede, 1994. "Theories of Rebellion," Rationality and Society, , vol. 6(1), pages 40-57, January.
    6. Midlarsky, Manus I., 1988. "Rulers and the Ruled: Patterned Inequality and the Onset of Mass Political Violence," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 82(2), pages 491-509, June.
    7. Albert O. Hirschman & Michael Rothschild, 1973. "The Changing Tolerance for Income Inequality in the Course of Economic DevelopmentWith A Mathematical Appendix," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 87(4), pages 544-566.
    8. Muller, Edward N. & Seligson, Mitchell A., 1987. "Inequality and Insurgency," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 81(2), pages 425-451, June.
    9. repec:ucp:bkecon:9780226727233 is not listed on IDEAS
    10. Hirschman, Albert O., 1973. "The changing tolerance for income inequality in the course of economic development," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 1(12), pages 29-36, December.
    11. Muller, Edward N. & Jukam, Thomas O., 1983. "Discontent and Aggressive Political Participation," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 13(2), pages 159-179, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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