Specialization and the development of sociology: Differentiation of fragmentation?

Starr, Jerold M.

doi:10.1007/bf00987198

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…While each of these contexts has special characteristics, the social differentiation that takes place due to increased competition follows very similar paths. Analyses of competition in science (for example, Hagstrom 1974) and the social sciences (for example, Starr 1983) demonstrate that similar processes of social differentiation are evident among modern research communities.…”

Section: Increasing Specialization In Psychologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The motivation to achieve differentiation and occupy' vacant spaces' leads researchers to give consideration to a host of diverse factors when selecting research areas and strategies. Findings suggest that many of the factors that influence researchers in their selection of research topics and strategies lie outside the criteria of logico-empirical science (Garvey and Tomita 1972;Gieryn 1978;Hagstrom 1974;Mulkay et al 1975;Merton and Lewis 1971;Starr 1983;Stehr and Larson 1974;Zuckerman 1978). Consequently, 'what' researchers study and 'how' they carry out their studies is influenced in important ways by a wide range of factors that are not traditionally regarded as being 'scientific' criteria.…”

Section: Increasing Specialization In Psychologymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Specialization and Despecialization in Psychology: Divergent Processes in the Three Worlds

Moghaddam

1989

Int J Psychol

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This paper raises some fundamental questions about the consequences of specialization in the discipline of psychology, as well as the psychological consequences of specialization. Increasing specialization is taking place as a result of wide-ranging psychological and societal factors, rather than strictly scientific criteria. Among the consequences of increasing specialization are fragmentation in psychology, and microcosmic, rather than wholistic, models of behavior. Some third world psychologists trained in the first and second worlds are moving toward despecialization, in order to tackle major social problems that invariably require a wholistic approach. It is proposed that despecialization has potential benefits for all of psychology.

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Section: Increasing Specialization In Psychologymentioning

confidence: 99%