The Entrenchment of Clientelistic Practices: Methodological and Conceptual Issues of Transferability
European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, No. 2, June 2010
14 Pages Posted: 10 Aug 2010
Date Written: June 1, 2010
Abstract
Political science’s enquiry into such deep embedded social practices as clientelism, necessitates new approaches within the discipline. This article explores the evolution of the interpretative approach from the periphery of scientific research, to the main alternative to positivist studies. The enquiries into the clientelist practices must account simultaneously for an inner, subjective dimension, as well as for a broader structural picture. Auyero’s (2000) study is explored both as an example of such a successful interpretative enquiry, as well an answer to the question of transferability. Because interpretative studies are focused on specificities and idiosyncrasies, it is hard to integrate them in comparative studies. Still, an analytical generalization is possible, as each case study adds value to the overall theoretical umbrella.
Keywords: Clientelism, Interpretative approach, Transferability, Case study
JEL Classification: D72
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation