‘Uncertainty is the only certainty’ : how pragmatic sociology provides a useful theoretical framework for researching the third sector during COVID-19
Abstract
This research note argues that pragmatic sociology is a useful theoretical framework when researching the third sector during the uncertain times of COVID-19 and beyond. It begins by introducing pragmatic sociology, which describes how actors express their values through the ‘orders of worth’ framework, and then how they justify their practices during moments of conflict, through the process of ‘tests’. This ultimately employs complex and fragile moments in history to uncover meaning making and, by extension, individual and organisational practice. This article then demonstrates useful research questions that pragmatic sociology can offer for the third sector during this uncertain time and how this theory’s utility can be applied even after the pandemic, due to its embracement of organisational dynamism, nuance and a fresh approach to power relationships.
Citation
Petzinger , J , Jung , T & Orr , K 2021 , ' ‘Uncertainty is the only certainty’ : how pragmatic sociology provides a useful theoretical framework for researching the third sector during COVID-19 ' , Voluntary Sector Review , vol. 12 , no. 1 , pp. 137-142 . https://doi.org/10.1332/204080521x16101174472905
Publication
Voluntary Sector Review
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
2040-8056Type
Journal article
Rights
Copyright © 2021 Policy Press. This work has been made available online in accordance with publisher policies or with permission. Permission for further reuse of this content should be sought from the publisher or the rights holder. This is the author created accepted manuscript following peer review and may differ slightly from the final published version. The final published version of this work is available at https://doi.org/10.1332/204080521X16101174472905
Description
This work was supported by The Rank Foundation, charity number: 276976.Collections
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