Global Crises
Complexity Based Research and Practice for Social Transformation
By David Byrne, Gill Callaghan and Emma Uprichard
Published
Mar 28, 2025Page count
304 pagesISBN
978-1447370833Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Mar 28, 2025Page count
304 pagesISBN
978-1447370857Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Mar 28, 2025Page count
304 pagesISBN
978-1447370857Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy Press
Global Crises
In today’s world, there are interwoven crises affecting us at every level. This book explores the impact of these crises on applied social research. It shows how using a complexity framework in research is key to tackling global challenges effectively.
By featuring illustrative examples from the UK, China, Brazil, South Africa and the US, the authors demonstrate how an action research programme based around the use of existing social research methods embedded in processes of co-production and participation can drive real-time social change.
In doing so, the book highlights the transformative role of action-oriented research in addressing today's complex global challenges.
David Byrne is a retired Professor of Sociology and Applied Social Sciences from the University of Durham and a long time practitioner of action research.
Gill Callaghan is a retired Lecturer in Sociology and Social Policy at Durham University, teaching Social Theory, Evaluation and Research Methods.
Emma Uprichard is Reader at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies (CIM) at the University of Warwick and an applied social science methodologist.
Introduction
Part 1:
1. Crisis and Change in the Era of the Capitalocene
2. Beyond Dualisms
3. Time, Place and Crisis
Part 2:
4. Climate Crisis
5. Crisis in Health and Care
6. Fiscal Crisis
7. Inequality Crisis
8. Urban Crisis
Part 3:
9. Transgressing Disciplines in Socio-Ecological Research
10. Complexity-Congruent Research: Methods and Methodology
11. Research for Action: Research as Transformative Governance
Conclusion: Scenarios for Possible Futures
