Göran Therborn's Universalizing Comparisons: A Note on Methodology

In: Canadian journal of political science: CJPS = Revue canadienne de science politique, Volume 26, Issue 2, p. 359-378

Abstract

AbstractThis article critically assesses Göran Therborn's approach to comparative politics. It argues that while Therborn's work represents a significant advance over much of the comparative politics literature, it remains limited by a methodology of "universalizing comparisons" involving large numbers of countries. This choice of methodology means that he is unable to achieve his goals of examining the dynamics of social processes and social patterns of determination, and in turn that his analysis does not allow for an adequate understanding of the current conjuncture and political strategies that might result from it.