Abstract

J. Valsiner (2003).
Enabling a Theory of Enablement:
In Search for a Theory-Method Link.
Papers on Social Representations, 12, pages 12.1-12.8.
[http://www.psr.jku.at/]

 

The discussion about the beginnings of an “enablement theory” of social
representing led to a number of basic new developments in our thinking. The
general meta-scientific goal of any elaboration of a theory of social representing is
to transcend the fragmentation of psychological theories (Bertacco’s concern
about social psychology), and advance a new look at empirical methods that is
consistent with theoretical constructions (Wagner’s concern). The latter is
accomplished through making the study of individual cases (subjects) the
epistemic norm for the social sciences. That is necessary due to the recent proof
of non-isomorphism between inter-individual and intra-individual variation. In the
case of open-systemic phenomena (organisms, persons, communities, societies)
variability is the name of the game— especially in its intra-individual form. The
resulting idiographic science is both social and individual at the same time (an
answer to Nebe’s critique) and becomes applicable to issues of politics as complex
social phenomena that are possible only because of personal participation that
takes place on different sides of barricades (Magioglou’s focus). The theory of
enablement is expected to facilitate further development of the theoretical rigor of
any theory of social representing, as well as psychological theories as a whole.