Globalization and contemporary social theory: a methodological essay

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to discuss some of the methodological challenges faced in developing my research on the issue of globalization in the social sciences. What follows, however, does not correspond to a set of theories, theses or diagnoses regarding the emerging globality. In a way, in fact, globalization, in itself, does not even constitute the main object of this reflection: the intention is to investigate the paths of thought and sensitivity followed by the scholars of globalization - in particular, Octavio Ianni and Ulrich Beck, who were chosen in the composition of the investigative section. This reflection will be divided into four parts. First, I deal with the construction of the research object itself. Then, it is also necessary to address the construction of the research itself. Based on this, I try to share some of the procedural difficulties in dealing with the writings worked on, seeking to present some methodological paths for facing them and also for understanding their theoretical-epistemological status. Finally, I reflect on the interpretive practice of sociological explanations such as those discussed here.