How Useful Can The Comparative Approach Be In Studying Social Policy And Welfare States In Different Countries?
The comparative approach to research is a methodology mostly applied in the social sciences, and which aims to compare certain aspects across different cultures and nations (Azarian 2011, pp. 3-16). It entails making a comparison of more than one element with a view to drawing conclusions about the different aspects of the element. Clasen (1999, pp. 3) insists that comparison is the most pivotal tool of analysis whose usage is a recipe for increased accuracy of a study. Besides, as the main microcosm of the comparative approach, comparison improves our description capabilities and takes a focal part in the formulation of a concept by highlighting the contrasts and similarities among different cases. The comparative approach employs a set of methods to enhance a comparison of the cases in point. One of the common methods is the quantitative analysis. However, it is noteworthy that the method is only used in cases with quantitative data. The comparative approach operates based on the principle that like things will be treated alike just like unlike things will be treated differently (Azarian 2011 pp. 7). The size of the gap between the cases is the sole determinant of how differently the phenomenon will be treated. Another popular method in the comparative approach is the secondary analysis of the quantitative data. However, it is not as widespread as the first method due to the financial constraints associated with obtaining the high-cost secondary materials like books, journals, and periodicals. The secondary analysis is, in most cases, considered an aggregate data analysis. It accommodates even the comparison of copious amounts of data especially those obtained from the government, and are related to governance like the social policies of countries and the welfare states. Cochrane, Clarke & Gewirtz (2002 pp. 24) observes that the fundamental comparison framework for welfare states entails taking of the balance of the levels of the welfare states concerning their expenditure on the social welfare. The comparative approach has been proven useful in studying a variety of multidisciplinary disciplines. It is observed that its level of usefulness and applicability depends on the tenets of the specific discipline. One of the social science areas that is synonymous with the use of the comparative method is the field of social policy and welfare states in different countries.