Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No.10, 2022

 

The Emergence of Social Substratum from Data: Methodological Reflection of Quantitative Sociological Research

(Abstract)

 

Gao Yong

 

The mainstream paradigm of quantitative sociological research based on fragmented variable analysis, often lacks or even obscures reflection on and observation of the substantive social process. Taking the practice of Durkheim’s classical work Suicide as reference, a methodological approach which is distinct from the “hypothetic-deductive” paradigm is proposed. It is devoted to revelation of the fundamental cause rooted in “the nature of things,” rather than exhaustive enumeration of causal factors. It focuses on the profound analyses and overall description of the intertwined variable relationships and the emergence of social substratum under the guidance of theoretical logic, thus removing the influence of superficial factors. The meanings of variables are fully understood only after the fundamental cause of social substratum is clarified. This methodological approach is more consistent with the inherent characteristics of Chinese society. It is highly instructive for the innovation direction of Chinese quantitative sociology.