Complexity of Social Construction: Bridging Contemporary Meta-Theories in Social Sciences

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The aim of the project is to identify the similarities and differences between fundamental assumptions underlying complexity theory and social constructionism. This is an important task because both complexity theory and social constructionism have brought about important theoretical and methodological innovations. There are also connections between some of the main insights emerging from the two meta-theories, such as those between heterogeneity and multiple realities, path and history dependence, social networks and social embeddedness. Yet researchers following these meta-theories have very different research orientations and use different methods. Hence, it is not always obvious how researchers at both sides can benefit from each others' work, or work together synergistically in interdisciplinary projects. For clarifying if the two meta-theories can be linked, this project will aim to identify the similarities and differences between fundamental assumptions underlying complexity theory and social constructionism. It will also aim to facilitate development of mixed method research carefully designed for this particular purpose.This project aims to initiate a dialog between 80 early career and senior researchers working on complexity theory, social constructionism or new institutional economics. There are already established networks of researchers in these separate domains. This project will connect these separate networks by linking researchers with methodologically innovative research agendas. The applicant manages a research centre (Centre for Research in Social Simulation) and research projects that bring together researchers from the target domains. Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, which has long-standing strengths in complex adaptive systems and institutions, will also take part in the project. The project will aim to develop this potential further with national and international connections.The dialog between the network members is expected to produce research outputs that identify the institutional links between the two meta-theories and clarify which research approaches are most suitable for establishing empirical links. By shedding a light on the pathways between complexity theory and social constructionism, the project will promote the 'creative destruction' of the wall between researchers working in these fields.