This book provides a new and innovative introduction to the methodology of social research. The aim of the author is to provide a bridge between recent theoretical debates in the social sciences and methodological issues. It is not just a 'how to' book for social researchers, or simply a description of research techniques. Rather, the work seeks to develop new strategies of research by marrying new perspectives in social analysis to problems of concrete research. The result is a text which is accessible yet sophisticated.

Apart from developing an original argument about research, the book is also designed as a resource text for students and more experienced researchers interested in developing theory from their own field research. It contains overviews of grounded theory and middle-range theory; a research resource map; strategies for developing theory; and guidelines and checklists for field research at the end of chapters.