Equivalence in Comparative Politics - The Problem of Equivalence (Hardcover)

The problem of establishing equivalence in order to compare the same concepts of phenomena in different settings is common for researchers in comparative politics. Despite the importance of the problem there are few strategies to deal effectively with it. This book tackles the issues involved and explores strategies to deal with many of the problems of establishing equivalence. Each contribution focuses on a theoretically relevant theme, such as: tolerance; political values; religious orientations; gender roles; voluntary associations; party organizations and party positions; democratic regimes; and the mass media. Each chapter covers different topics, methods, data and countries, making use of previously unpublished empirical research to show the problems of finding similar or identical indicators in realistic research settings. The study reveals the potential for pragmatic solutions to the problems of establishing equivalence. Many of the strategies used in this volume show how the complicated search for equivalence can unearth substantial addition information which can enhance the quality and reliability of any research.