The intersection between systems theory and grounded theory: the emergence of the grounded systems observer

Barry Gibson; Jane Gregory; Peter G Robinson

doi:10.18778/1733-8077.1.2.02

Authors

Barry Gibson University of Sheffield, UK
Jane Gregory Kings College, UK
Peter G Robinson University of Sheffield, UK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/1733-8077.1.2.02

Keywords:

systems theory, Luhmann, grounded systems theory, grounded theory

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to outline how a theoretical intersection between systems theory and grounded theory could be articulated. The paper proceeds by marking that the important difference between systems theory and grounded theory is primarily reflected in the distinction between a revision of social theory on the one hand and the generation of theory for the social world on the other. It then explores figures of thought in philosophy that relate closely to aspects of Luhmann’s theory of social systems. An effectual intersection, an operational intersection, an intersection based on the concept of primary redundancy and a global/transcendental intersection between systems theory and grounded theory are proposed. The paper then goes on to briefly outline several methodological consequences of the intersection for a grounded systems methodology. It concludes by discussing the sort of knowledge for the social world that is likely to emerge from this mode of observation.

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Author Biographies

Barry Gibson, University of Sheffield, UK

Barry Gibson (PhD) is a Lecturer in Medical Sociology at the Department of Oral Health and Development at the University of Sheffield. He has published articles in Sociology of Health and Illness, Social Science and Medicine and various dental Journals such as Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology and The Journal of Disability and Oral Health amongst others. He has a deep interest in classic grounded theory, social systems theory and research methodology. He is currently involved in studying the codification of quality of life and the new sociology of childhood in relation to children's 'voices' in the discipline of dentistry.

Jane Gregory, Kings College, UK

Jane Gregory (PhD) is a Research Fellow in the Department of Public Health Medicine at Guy's King's and St Thomas' Medical School, Kings College, London. She has published in Social Science and Medicine and her work currently involves studying the phenomenology of chronic illness associated with forms of ethnicity.

Peter G Robinson, University of Sheffield, UK

Peter G Robinson (PhD) is a Professor in Dental Public Health and Head of Department at the Department of Oral Health and Development University of Sheffield. He has published widely in clinical dentistry and dental public health. His areas of research include the evaluation of dental care using randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews, the use of oral health related quality of life data, response shift and professional and workforce related changes in dentistry.

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