Social research or qualitative research? A dis(de)cuss(construct)ion on the agenda in collective health

Abstract

The aim of this text is to analyze, in a critical way, the production of social research in collective health based on the 'missing link' between theory and method. For this, we chose the textual modality of critical essay, drawing on Adorno and Meneghetti who defend this modality as a way of overcoming the thought beyond the boundaries of the method. The starting point is the frequent confusion between 'social research' and 'qualitative research' in the field of collective health as a triggering issue for reflection. Throughout the text, the reflection revives concepts, theories and techniques used in the subarea of 'social and human sciences in health' as a way of discussing the (dis) connection between theory and method. Finally, we present the limits and possibilities of social research in collective health and the role of social and human sciences in health in problematizing the debate.