Integrating Economic and Sociological Approaches to International Relations? A Classic Methodological Puzzle and Logics of Synthesis

37 Pages Posted: 19 Jul 2010 Last revised: 6 Sep 2010

See all articles by Tristan Volpe

Tristan Volpe

George Washington University - Department of Political Science

Robert Adcock

American University - School of International Service

Date Written: 2010

Abstract

Our paper is motivated by the rationalism/constructivism contrast in the International Relations (IR) field. By reinterpreting this contrast we seek to redirect reflection about theoretical synthesis in the field. Our argument has four steps. First, we introduce a broader intellectual setting for the rationalism/constructivism contrast by situating it as a contemporary iteration of the economic/sociological contrast classically articulated throughout the history of the modern social sciences. Second, we pragmatically give concrete content to each side of this contrast in relation to recent IR. Engagement with Weber and Parsons helps us to subdivide the economic side into parametric vs. strategic variants, and the sociological in terms of traditional vs. value-rational action. Third, we argue that synthesis of economic and sociological approaches is both viable and desirable in concrete studies of strategic interaction. Fourth, to conclude, we compare our argument to recent efforts to promote analytic eclecticism in political science.

Keywords: Rationalism, Constructivism, Synthesis, Economic, Sociological, Weber, Parsons, Strategic Interaction, Analytic Eclecticism, International Relations Theory

Suggested Citation

Volpe, Tristan and Adcock, Robert, Integrating Economic and Sociological Approaches to International Relations? A Classic Methodological Puzzle and Logics of Synthesis (2010). APSA 2010 Annual Meeting Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1642299

Tristan Volpe (Contact Author)

George Washington University - Department of Political Science ( email )

Washington, DC 20052
United States

Robert Adcock

American University - School of International Service ( email )

4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20016
United States

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