Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences 2nd Edition

Capture the dynamics behind social change with Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences, 2nd Edition by David Byrne and Gillian Callaghan. This authoritative, accessible volume invites readers to rethink how societies, institutions and policies behave when simple rules produce unpredictable outcomes.

Explore clear explanations of core concepts—emergence, nonlinearity, feedback, networks and path dependence—woven with practical examples that connect theory to everyday research in sociology, political science, economics and public policy. The second edition is updated and expanded to reflect recent advances in systems thinking and methodological innovations, making it an ideal resource for contemporary study.

You’ll find a balanced mix of conceptual clarity and applied insight: concise introductions to modelling approaches, discussion of qualitative and quantitative methods, and guidance on applying complexity perspectives to real-world problems. Whether you’re a graduate student, academic researcher, policy analyst or professional seeking new analytical tools, this book equips you to design better research and craft more resilient policies.

Readable, rigorous and globally relevant, this edition is suited for classroom adoption, independent study and cross-disciplinary teams across the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and beyond. Its practical orientation helps readers translate complexity ideas into data-driven investigation and actionable strategy.

Ready to rethink social inquiry? Add Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences, 2nd Edition to your library today—an essential companion for anyone serious about understanding and shaping complex social systems.

Note: eBooks do not include supplementary materials such as CDs, access codes, etc.