Theory in Historical research-The theoretical approaches used to study history

Theoretical approaches in history
Theory and research in history
Value of theory in historical research

1. Methods of Historical Research Lesson 8 The place of theory in historical research

2. Lesson 7 Recap-Digital sources of History Digital sources are one of many sources that a historian can use in their research Digital tools like Ai, search engines, chat rooms etc have changed the way historians view and research history two of the common online methods of research for historians include online questionnaires and online interviews Online methods have advantages and disadvatages just like face to face research methods You should use online research methos carefully

3. Lesson 8: Theory in History Lesson objectives; by the end of the lesson you should be able to; Define the term theory Explain why theories are important in historical research Examine the different theories that have been used to study historical phenomena

4. some basics...What is a theory? Theory is a model or framework for observation and understanding, which shapes both what we see and how we see it . Theory allows the researcher to make links between the abstract and the concrete; the theoretical and the empirical; thought statements and observational statements etc.

5. Some Definitions...  Theory is a generalized statement that asserts a connection between two or more types of phenomena  Theory is a system of interconnected abstractions or ideas that condenses and organizes knowledge about the world. Theory explains and predicts the relationship between variables

6. Why are theories important in historical research? Theory frames what we look at, and how we think and look at it. It provides basic concepts and directs us to the important questions. It suggests ways for us to make sense of research data. Theory enables us to connect a single study to the immense base of knowledge to which other researchers contribute - It helps a researcher see the forest instead of just a single tree. Theory increases a researcher’s awareness of interconnections and of the broader significance of data.

7. Theories of History When historians explain the past they are interpreting historical fact. The way they interpret this ‘fact ’ rests upon the theory of the nature of history that is held

8. Ancient Greek Historians Belief in two key concepts: CYCLES: Historical events proceed over a long period of growth and decline and back to another period and decline through eternity - Cyclical approach in History Visions of a brighter future based on golden age of the past FATE: The order of the progression of cycles is fate, man can do nothing to change this - Historical Determinism

9. Medieval Christian Historians Introduced idea that historical process is moving Teleological view of history – meaning and purpose given to history, although not secular Attainment of goal of history would mean the end of history History is the fulfillment of God’s will (goal of history) God has foreknowledge of each event in history: PREDESTINATION

10. The Enlightenment Enlightenment values – teleological view but secularised the goal -there is a purpose to history but it is not spiritual-it is rational/scientific History is progress towards the goal of perfecting man’s estate on earth

11. Historical Rationalism Belief that a pattern can be found in past events Some believe that a number of patterns can be found, others believe that only one pattern exists e.g. patterns of war

12. Immanuel Kant History is the unfolding of the rational plan resident in nature There is a natural order and purpose in nature, hence there is order and purpose in the nature of man’s reason and will The establishment of a permanent social order is the highest task set for man by nature

13. G W F Hegel The Dialectic: each event (thesis) generates its opposite (antithesis) resulting in a synthesis that absorbs both in a higher unity. This is the way history progresses - the dialectic view of history according to Hegel Man is not necessarily aware of this process, but his (rational) action fulfils this purpose Hence progress is inevitable -History is a record of man’s progress- Linear theory of history

14. Karl Marx History is the record of class conflict - Theory of Social Conflict This passes through four stages until it reaches the fifth (desirable) stage of the socialist communist state

15. Five stages of history Stages of history: Primitive: the original communist state that was ended by the rise of private property King-Slaves: the struggle between kings and slaves led to aristocracy Feudal: the struggle between nobles and serfs led to capitalism Capitalism: the struggle between owners and workers leads to socialism The Socialist Communist State! -this is the ideal state according to Karl Marx

16. Oswald Spengler Cyclical view of history where cultures mature and decline through a cycle of four epochs (rise and fall) Childhood: agriculture and conquest Youth: expansion and discovery Maturity: cities and commerce Old age and death: quantity not quality, utility not art, skepticism not optimism

17. Arnold Toynbee Rejected Spengler’s theory of rise and fall Instead, the meaning of historical events is interpreted in terms of challenge and response Civilisations are the result of a successful set of responses to the challenges faced by society

18. Moderni z ation theory For a country to be seen as modern, modernisation theorists say it has to undergo an evolutionary advance in science and technology which in turn would lead to an increased standard of living for all This theory was common from 1960’s-1990s

19. Modernisation theorists aimed to: explain why poorer countries failed to evolve into modern societies Reduce the spread of communism by presenting capitalist values as the solution to poverty Modernisation theory has become increasingly influential, especially since post collapse of USSR

20. Modernisation theory – role of the West in developing countries Western investment in factories, expertise and equipment – use loans from World Bank - Structural adjustment programs Western funding to introduce meritocratic education (values of universalism, individualism and competition

21. Modernisation theory – the West and the developing countries (continued) iii Mass media to disseminate modern ideas iv Urbanisation to be encouraged

22. Criticism of modernisation theory It is ethnocentric because (a) it devalues traditional values and social institutions e.g. extended families (b) it ignores increasing inequality within and between countries (c) it is not a neutral theory as it suggests (it promotes western capitalist values)

23. Education in developing world mainly benefits small, local elites (those at the top) It assumes unlimited natural resources for industrial expansion. (ignores ecological issues)

24. Many countries seemed to have become stuck at stages and can't move onto to stage 4 and 5. Developed countries only reached stage 5 by exploiting countries, now making it impossible for poorer countries to develop further High levels of debt and corruption mean some countries struggle to progress It is probably not possible for all countries to enjoy mass consumption. Some countries will need to specialise in primary products to satisfy our demand for food and raw materials. Because jobs in primary industries are less well paid, it will probably mean that they are as wealthy and can not enjoy a mass consumption lifestyle.

25. Dependency Theory The development of the rich world was achieved by exploitation of the developing world. That developing countries moved into production of cash crops (coffee, tea, cocoa) which meant that they were no longer subsistent and actually dependent on developed countries for food imports and food aid. That the development of many countries were slowed or stopped by the arrival of colonists. many countries were richer before colonisation than after.

26. It has gained popularity because Many poor countries owe large debts to developed countries or international banks Developed countries tend to specialize in more value added industries like banking and manufacturing, widening the development gap even more. Many international organizations are dominated by developed countries e.g. G20, World Bank, IMF and even the UN Security Council Many developing countries have now become reliant on NGO help Population growth is highest in developing countries so many are suffering from greater overpopulation and are more dependent on foreign help.

27. End of Lesson Any Questions?