Let’s Get Empirical

I’m often frustrated by the relative lack of empirical data given to sociology students. Like many with a sociological frame of mind, I like theory and I can get underwhelmed by studies which focus heavily on data at the expense of theory. But that said, I do like the old British empirical tradition and I agree with those who believe that the best sociology always melds the empirical and the theoretical.

So - teachers and students - get thee to the screen and check out the OECD database for some great interactive displays of the state we’re in - all over the world. You can look at birth rates, education levels, economic data, suicide rates, all sorts of stuff.

And if you want a quick and friendly second opinion and preview, check out Michael Blastland’s words of recommendation.