Merkwurdigkeiten der sozialwissenschaftlichen Sprache -- eine Spurensuche beim Lesen alter Hausarbeiten

In: Leviathan: Berliner Zeitschrift für Sozialwissenschaft, Band 33, Heft 1, S. 94-110

Abstract

Why do many social scientists use convoluted, bloated phrases that render their papers incomprehensible? This essay traces the urge to indulge in pompous ramblings by analysing the author's own undergraduate essays in political science. There, the impenetrable diction hides an inability to grasp the subject. Stylistic blunders, such as mixed metaphors & a recurring use of the passive, not only make for a bad read, they often distort the issue. Surprisingly, in this respect the author's early attempts at academic writing have a lot in common with more established works. But what is the link between social science & bad language? This essay examines the connection between awkward language & academic research conditions in the context of two recent developments: growing pressure to measure the quality of academic writing in quantitative terms, & a creeping elimination of unregimented reading experience. Adapted from the source document.