Agricultural Economics and Qualitative Research: Incompatible Paradigms?

Authors

  • Vera Bitsch Universität Hannover

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-1.1.1116

Keywords:

agriculture, horticulture, agribusiness, management, qualitative methods, case study

Abstract

The disciplinary paradigm of agricultural economics emphasizes rational behavior in a world constrained by scarce resources. The research practice focuses on the quantitative modeling of optimization behavior. These models, though, only offer limited support to practitioners in solving real-world problems. Qualitative research approaches contribute to this task, particularly with research in developing countries. Participatory action research was introduced in the seventies; case studies have been employed more often and have been discussed more intensively. But different qualitative approaches are hardly known in agricultural economics. However, exemplary theses, published in the series 'Research Reports on Economics in Horticulture', show the successful use of qualitative research methods in German agricultural research. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs000167

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Author Biography

Vera Bitsch, Universität Hannover

Dr. Vera BITSCH works as an assistant professor at the Institute of Economics in Horticulture at University of Hannover, Germany. Main research fields: Management and business administration; organizational development, especially people at work (leadership, motivation, job satisfaction, personal development etc.); qualitative inquiry

Published

2000-01-31

How to Cite

Bitsch, V. (2000). Agricultural Economics and Qualitative Research: Incompatible Paradigms?. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-1.1.1116