Rethinking Social Science Research

The terrain of social science research has never been static. Rather, it is a dynamic and evolving field, shaped by shifting epistemological commitments, methodological reorientations, and the political, technological, and ecological transformations of the world we inhabit. Over the past century, the evolution of social science has mirrored the complexities of social life itself – fractured, plural, contested, and deeply interwoven with structures of power, identity, and meaning.

From the early dominance of positivism, which posited the possibility of objective knowledge through empirical observation and quantification, social science has traversed multiple paradigmatic turns. The rise of interpretivism challenged the detached observer model, emphasising meaning, context, and the constructed nature of reality. Critical theory, emanating from the Frankfurt School and allied traditions, further interrogated the ideological underpinnings of knowledge production, calling for scholarship that is not only explanatory but also emancipatory. Post-structuralist and postmodern critiques destabilised fixed meanings and universal truths, revealing how language, discourse, and power shape what is taken to be ‘knowledge’. These developments were not merely academic; they reflected deeper political and cultural shifts in how societies understand themselves and others.

More recently, the field has been enriched – and challenged – by the emergence of decolonial and Indigenous epistemologies that critique Eurocentric knowledge hierarchies and foreground relational, experiential, and place-based ways of knowing. The incorporation of digital technologies into research has further transformed methodologies, giving rise to computational social science, digital ethnography, and data-driven analyses that extend beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. These transformations have opened up new possibilities for inquiry while simultaneously posing profound ethical questions around surveillance, algorithmic bias, data sovereignty, and the ownership of knowledge.

This book, Rethinking Social Science Research: New Methods and Perspectives, is both a response to and a reflection on these complex shifts. It brings together diverse perspectives, methodologies, and intellectual traditions to offer a pluralistic and critically engaged view of contemporary research practice. The chapters move across a wide intellectual terrain: from classical paradigms to emergent frameworks; from AI and machine learning to participatory action research; from affective and sensory methods to arts-based and gamified approaches. Together, they interrogate not only how research is conducted but why certain methods are privileged, whose voices are heard, and what it means to do research ethically in a world marked by persistent inequalities.

At its core, this volume is animated by a desire to reimagine the role of the social sciences in the twenty-first century. It does not propose a singular path forward, nor does it seek to replace one orthodoxy with another. Rather, it advocates for methodological pluralism, epistemological openness, and an unflinching commitment to ethical reflexivity. It calls upon researchers to unlearn the certainties of disciplinary silos, to engage with diverse knowledge systems, and to confront the socio-political implications of their work with humility and responsibility.

This book is intended for scholars, practitioners, and students across disciplines who are grappling with the methodological and ethical challenges of contemporary research. It is equally for those who are discontented with inherited models and are searching for new ways to ask questions, gather insights, and engage with communities. Whether one is conducting research in political science, sociology, anthropology, education, development studies, or any adjacent field, the imperative to rethink our tools and frameworks is both timely and necessary.

In an era defined by climate change, algorithmic governance, growing authoritarianism, and global epistemic inequalities, the stakes of social research could not be higher. Rethinking social science research is not a mere academic exercise – it is an act of intellectual and moral urgency.

Asis Mistry

Kolkata, May 2025

Writing this book has been a profoundly enriching intellectual journey – one shaped not only by solitary reflection but also by a constellation of relationships, conversations, and collaborative engagements that have deepened my understanding of the craft and responsibility of social science research. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the many individuals who have, in diverse ways, contributed to the making of this volume.

First and foremost, I extend my sincere thanks to my teachers and mentors – my Gurus – whose guidance laid the very foundation of my academic path. Their belief in the transformative power of education and their unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping both my scholarly commitments and my broader outlook on life. Among them, I wish to offer a special acknowledgement to Professor Samir Kumar Das, whose intellectual generosity and incisive mentorship have significantly influenced my approach to social science. His ideas and interventions continue to resonate in the pages of this book.

I am equally indebted to my colleagues and peers, whose critical feedback, challenging questions, and generous dialogue have expanded the scope and depth of my work. Their engagement has led me to rethink received ideas, experiment with methodological approaches, and embrace conceptual pluralism. This book is, in many ways, a testament to the power of the scholarly community and the importance of collaborative thinking.

On a more personal note, I owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to my parents and grandparents, whose steadfast love, values, and encouragement have been the enduring bedrock of my life. Their belief in the power of knowledge and the importance of integrity has guided me at every step. To my wife, Nandita – your patience, understanding, and unwavering faith in my work have sustained me through periods of uncertainty and doubt. Your companionship has made this journey deeply meaningful. To our daughter, Arinjita – your boundless curiosity, joyful spirit, and endless questions continue to inspire my pursuit of learning. This book is as much yours as it is mine.

I would also like to acknowledge the profound intellectual influence of Samuel P Huntington. His writings were foundational to my early scholarly formation, and his work continues to provoke critical thought in political science and beyond. While I may not always agree with his conclusions, the clarity and ambition of his theoretical vision have left a lasting imprint on my intellectual trajectory.

Finally, my heartfelt thanks to my editors, publishers, and all those who have played a role – visible or invisible – in bringing this book to life. From careful readings and constructive edits to the logistics of production, your contributions have been vital.

This book is a humble tribute to all those who have shaped me personally, intellectually, and ethically. It is offered in gratitude, with the hope that it will serve as a meaningful contribution to the ongoing conversations in and beyond the social sciences.

Asis Mistry

Kolkata, May 2025