Definition: the double hermeneutic (or Double Hermeneutics) is a concept in social sciences, introduced by Anthony Giddens, that refers to the two-way interpretative relationship between researchers and the subjects of their study. It describes how researchers interpret the actions and beliefs of people who are themselves interpreting their own world and experiences.
Explanation: In social sciences, unlike natural sciences, the subjects of study are conscious beings who actively interpret their own reality. When researchers study these subjects, they're not just observing passive phenomena but engaging with active interpreters of their own world. This creates a double layer of interpretation:
1. The subjects interpret their own actions and experiences.
2. The researchers interpret the subjects' interpretations.
This dual process of interpretation can lead to complex interactions between the researcher's understanding and the subjects' self-understanding, potentially influencing both parties.
Examples of the Double Hermeneutic
1. Sociological Study on Workplace Culture
A sociologist studying workplace culture interprets the behaviors and interactions of employees. However, the employees are also constantly interpreting their own actions and those of their colleagues. The sociologist's presence and questions may even cause the employees to reflect on and potentially modify their behavior, creating a feedback loop of interpretation.
2. Anthropological Research on Indigenous Rituals
An anthropologist observing and documenting indigenous rituals must interpret the meanings and significance of these practices. However, the indigenous people themselves have their own interpretations of their rituals. The anthropologist's questions and observations might lead the participants to articulate or even reconsider aspects of their practices that they previously took for granted.
3. Psychological Research on Depression
A psychologist studying depression interprets the experiences and behaviors of individuals with depression. These individuals, in turn, are constantly interpreting their own thoughts, feelings, and actions. The process of participating in the study and answering questions about their experiences might influence how the subjects perceive and understand their own condition.
4. Educational Research on Teaching Methods
A researcher studying the effectiveness of different teaching methods must interpret the actions and responses of both teachers and students. However, teachers are constantly interpreting and adjusting their methods based on student reactions, while students interpret and respond to the teachers' approaches. The presence of the researcher and the nature of their questions might cause both teachers and students to reflect more deeply on the teaching and learning process.
The double hermeneutic highlights the complexity of social science research and the need for researchers to be aware of their own influence on the subjects they study. It emphasizes the importance of reflexivity in research, where researchers must constantly examine how their own interpretations and presence might be shaping the very phenomena they're trying to understand.
Understanding the double hermeneutic can lead to more nuanced and self-aware research practices in social sciences, acknowledging the active role that both researchers and subjects play in the creation of knowledge.