Macro-quantitative vs. macro-qualitative methods in political science: advantages and disadvantages of comparative procedures using the Welfare-State Theory as an example

Abstract

In recent years there has been a polemic between more 'macro-quantitatively' and more 'macro-qualitatively' oriented social scientists. This debate was often characterized by mutual misunderstandings and misperceptions, but also false claims and insinuations. The present paper attempts to demonstrate the respective strengths and weaknesses of both procedures using the concrete example of theories of the development of the welfare state in Europe. In particular, the more recent procedure of 'Qualitative Comparative Analysis' is presented to a European public. The results show that both approaches can meaningfully stimulate and supplement each other putting, hopefully, to rest some of the polemics.