COMPARATIVE STUDIES IN SOCIETY AND HISTORY, A WORKING ALLIANCE AMONG SPECIALISTS
In: International social science journal: ISSJ, Band 17, Heft 4, S. 544-654
ISSN: 0020-8701
The Ed of Comp. Stud. Soc. Hist. sums up the experience gained from using this periodical as a forum for debate between historians & soc sci'ts. A brief history of the journal's formation is offered. The interests of contributors have been diverse, covering modernization, intellectuals, the functioning of states, power, imperialism, religion, etc. Studies have given rise to theoretical & conceptual discussions even though these may be based on only a few cases. It is emphasized that comparative study is not merely the separation of theorizing & description, but rather rests on the shaping of definitions & such factors as sensitivity to ethnocentrism. Specific contributions are noted in this regard. It is concluded that over the yrs the enterprise has proved fruitful in many ways, not the least by avoiding the mistake of emphasizing disciplinary diff's. Modified HA.