THE PROBLEM OF THE CONCEPT:
- 1 July 1989
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Journal of Contemporary Ethnography
- Vol. 18 (2) , 133-159
- https://doi.org/10.1177/089124189018002002
Abstract
The question of the relationship between concepts and data is central to sociological methodology. It is also an issue that divides quantitative and ethnographic approaches. The most influential ethnographic treatment of this problem is that provided by Herbert Blumer. This article offers a detailed account and a critical assessment of Blumer's position. Its conclusion is that while his discussion of the problem is instructive he fails to provide a convincing solution.Keywords
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