Concepts and Generalizations in Comparative Sociological Studies

Abstract

Comparative sociological studies attempt to develop concepts and generalizations at a level between pure theory and descriptive area studies. They help to elucidate the time-andspace limitations of sociological concepts that have less than universal applicability and to uncover the generalizations hidden in many composite concepts. Positively, they can help us develop typologies of social actions and structures and assess their characteristic range of variation. These contributions are exemplified on the basis of classic comparative studies and of the author's studies of the political community.