INTERPRETIVISM Meaning and
Definition
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Interpretivism is a philosophical and methodological approach that focuses on understanding human behavior and social phenomena through the interpretation and subjective understanding of individuals involved. It is often employed within the social sciences, particularly in fields such as sociology, anthropology, and psychology, where researchers aim to comprehend the meanings and motives that people assign to their actions.
In interpretivism, the emphasis lies on the belief that social reality is constructed through the interactions and interpretations of individuals within a particular context. Researchers using this approach recognize that multiple perspectives and subjective interpretations exist, and strive to uncover the unique meanings individuals attach to their experiences. Rather than aiming for objectivity, interpretivists aim for empathy and comprehension of social phenomena based on individuals' subjective experiences and meanings.
The interpretive approach is commonly employed through qualitative research methods, such as interviews, ethnography, and participant observation. These methodologies allow researchers to capture in-depth insights into the subjective experiences, cultural backgrounds, and social contexts that shape people's interpretations and actions. Interpretivism also emphasizes that researchers themselves are active participants in the research process and their own interpretations can influence the findings.
Overall, interpretivism seeks to uncover and understand the complexities of human behavior and social reality by considering the subjective meanings, contexts, and interpretations that individuals bring to their world.
Etymology of INTERPRETIVISM
The word "interpretivism" is derived from the root word "interpret" and the suffix "-ism".
The root word "interpret" comes from the Latin word "interpretari", which means to explain, translate, or understand. It gradually evolved through Old French and Middle English before being adopted into modern English.
The suffix "-ism" is of Greek origin and is used to form nouns that indicate a system, doctrine, or belief associated with a particular concept or ideology.
Therefore, "interpretivism" combines "interpret" with "-ism" to create a term that signifies a philosophical or theoretical stance related to interpretation, understanding, and explanation.
