Typologies - Research Article from Encyclopedia of Sociology

This encyclopedia article consists of approximately 20 pages of information about Typologies.

Typologies - Research Article from Encyclopedia of Sociology

This encyclopedia article consists of approximately 20 pages of information about Typologies.
This section contains 5,844 words
(approx. 20 pages at 300 words per page)
Buy the Typologies Encyclopedia Article

A typology is a multidimensional classification. The study of typological procedures is impeded by the use of a plethora of terms, some of which are used interchangeably. "Classification" can be defined as the grouping of entities on the basis of similarity. For example, humans can be classified into female and male. A related term is "taxonomy." According to Simpson (1961, p. 11), taxonomy "is the theoretical study of classification, including its bases, principles, procedures, and rules." Interestingly, the term "classification" has two meanings: One can speak of both the process of classification and its end product, a classification. The terms "classification," "typology," and "taxonomy" are all used widely and somewhat interchangeably in sociology.

Any classification must be mutually exclusive and exhaustive. This requires that there be only one cell for each case. For example, if humans are being classified by sex, this requires that every case be placed in a...

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This section contains 5,844 words
(approx. 20 pages at 300 words per page)
Buy the Typologies Encyclopedia Article
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Macmillan
Typologies from Macmillan. Copyright © 2001-2006 by Macmillan Reference USA, an imprint of the Gale Group. All rights reserved.