The Potential for Using the Method of Typological Analysis in the Sociological Diagnostics of Social Phenomena

Abstract

This paper provides an abstract presentation and analyzes the content of the collective monograph titled Typological Analysis in Sociology as a Diagnostic Procedure. The focus is on the possibilities that the method of typological analysis provides when it comes to developing the genre of sociological diagnostics. In the introduction, we consider the approaches towards defining the concept of “sociological diagnostics” that have developed in the domestic scientific community, while noting the persistent ambiguity in its understanding and use. The main part of the paper gives a brief summary of the main theoretical and methodological provisions, the practice and results of applying the method of typological analysis as a tool for sociological diagnostics according to the first three chapters of the monograph. We have identified three connecting links that determine the integrity of the authors’ narrative in revealing the diagnostic potential of the typological analysis method: 1) adherence to the concept of ideal type, 2) search for controllable factors while overcoming methodological “bottlenecks”, and 3) strict observance of the analysis procedure. In conclusion, we reveal the actual and possible limitations in the use of typological analysis for diagnostics of modern social phenomena, and we challenge the selection and development of one ideal type of workers as a standard for making management decisions.