Case Studies of School Desegregation and Resegregation: How Can We Pursue External Validity?. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parcel, Toby L.
• Other Names: Parcel Toby L. guest-editor.; Mickelson Roslyn Arlin guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: American behavioral scientist. Volume 66:Number 6(2022)
• Page Start: 678
• Page End: 690
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: case studies -- external validity -- replication -- school desegregation -- school resegregation; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Political science -- Periodicals; United States -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 300
• DOI: 10.1177/00027642211033283
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-7642

Abstract

Case studies form a vital part of sociological inquiry. Despite their important strengths, they often fail to pursue issues of external validity or replication, an important direction for social science generally. In this article, I begin with the premise that at least some case studies can and should contribute to a growing body of research within sociology aimed at replication and promoting external validity. I first discuss how qualitative case studies have handled issues of external validity in the past. Then I outline three dimensions of external validity that are particularly relevant for sociological research: the degree to which qualitative case study findings generalize or replicate to: (1) a larger population, (2) across social contexts, and (3) over time. I set my overall arguments within the larger literature of case studies in sociology but focus specifically on case studies dealing with school desegregation and resegregation. I show the current challenges in pursuing external validity using a set of case studies investigating school desegregation and resegregation in the United States. I argue that quantitative methods can assist in providing evidence regarding the generalizability of individual case studies. I conclude by noting the limitations to such an approach, which signal some of the challenges our discipline faces when pursuing the external validity of case studies.