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Abstract
This paper applies theoretical pluralism to studies
of poverty. However in order to be more specific it
takes as a case study some competing studies of Indian
rural tenancy relations. Theoretical pluralism, frequently
found in this literature, is defined as a realist alternative
to extremes of idealism and relativism. In the area
of tenancy studies, idealised rational choice theories
are often seen as contrasting with political economy
approaches. The evolution of theory, in practice, appears
to respond to critiques cutting across these lines.
A suspension of judgement about competing theories may
have some usefulness. In addition discursive bridging
is observed among some respected authors in this literature
(notably Bardhan, Bhaduri, and Stiglitz; also Genicot
and Banerjee et al.). Instead of seeing the competing
theories as incommensurate, such authors attempt to
build links between them. They nevertheless criticise
the ontology, the epistemology, and the measurement
frameworks of competing theories.
In the paper, specific examples are
given of suspension of judgement and discursive bridging.
The strengths and weaknesses of meta-theorising are
analysed. In poverty studies more generally, bridging
between theories can be a useful technique for interdisciplinary
research. The resulting theorisations usually have complex
causal explanations allowing for different mechanisms
(personal, social, political, economic and historical).
Methodological pluralism is recommended,
and 'triangulation' is described as the underlying methodology
for theoretically pluralist studies. The 'unobservables'
category is refined. The paper thus avoids the qualitative/quantitative
dichotomy found in some other methodological studies.
Instead, notions of complexity, causal mechanisms, human
reasoning, judgemental rationality and open systems
are recommended for interdisciplinary investigations
of poverty.
The paper concludes with notes on
the limits to theoretical pluralism. In particular,
practical limits to pluralism and the fallibility of
all theories are stressed.
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