Qualitative Comparisons in Political Science

Qualitative analysis and comparison involves looking at each country’s unique history and political culture It goes much deeper than quantitative data Political Science is a science but remember that it is a social science! We are studying people, civilizations, cultures, and institutions There are too many variables and the numbers can’t tell us everything about a country’s political past, present, and future

Normative vs. Empirical Review: Do you remember what the term empirical means? Qualitative analysis uses empirical evidence but is also based on normative questions. Normative questions ask: what should be the case? What makes the most sense? What is the best theory, argument, or explanation? It requires making a value judgment

Normative Questions + Statements Questions Does economic liberalization (freedoms) lead to political liberalization (freedoms)? Are liberal democracies the most stable political systems? Statements The Chinese Communist Party should encourage more democratization. The Japanese government should encourage more immigration in order to sustain its population growth. Can you think of your own examples of normative questions or statements?

Qualitative Analysis still requires evidence! When you are investigating country case studies or making comparisons, you still must support your value claims (normative) with evidence Qualitative evidence can be based on the following: narratives, investigations, interviews, and reports

Qualitative Questions How were Germany and Japan able to become successful, stable democracies following World War Two despite a history of authoritarianism? Can Islam and democracy coexist? Is high GDP per capita a requirement for a stable democracy?