Interpretivizmi

Interpretivizmi, or interpretivism, is a paradigm in the social sciences that seeks to understand social life by examining the meanings and interpretations that people attach to their actions, experiences, and contexts. It holds that social reality is socially constructed and context-dependent, and that knowledge arises from how researchers and participants interpret situations rather than from universal laws or objective measurement alone.

Origins and foundations: Interpretivism draws on hermeneutics (Dilthey), phenomenology, and the concept of verstehen as advanced by Max Weber. It emerged as a critique of positivist approaches that aim for generalizable laws through standardized measurement, emphasizing instead the lived experiences, cultural meanings, and symbolic practices that shape social action.

Methods and practice: The approach is predominantly qualitative, using methods such as participant observation, in-depth interviews, ethnography, and case studies. Analysis focuses on thick description, thematic interpretation, and narrative construction to illuminate how actors understand and navigate their worlds. Reflexivity and researcher positioning are considered important to understanding how interpretations are produced.

Relation to other paradigms and criticisms: Interpretivism stands in contrast to quantitative, objectivist approaches and is related to constructivism and hermeneutics. Critics argue that it can sacrifice rigor and generalizability, and that its reliance on subjective interpretation may introduce bias. Proponents respond with rigorous qualitative design, transparent methodology, and techniques such as triangulation and thick description to establish credibility.

Applications: It is widely used in sociology, anthropology, education, cultural studies, and human geography to explore how individuals and groups make sense of social life in particular settings and communities.