Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process

“In this era of bountiful visual, qualitative and informationalised knowledge of the social world a conscientious guide to social research is ever more valuable…this is a knowledgeably written, highly engaging and genuinely interesting book."

Dr Pamela Odih BSoc.Sc. PhD. Senior Lecturer Goldsmiths University of London, UK

“A timely focus on intersectionality, decoloniality, as well as digital, participatory, collaborative methods and the relationship between knowledge, power and action, are all compelling new additions”

Anastasia Christou, Associate Professor of Sociology, Middlesex University, UK

“This is the best kind of companion for social researchers: a clear, concise, and practical overview of the foundations of the field…grounded in critical reflection about ethics and power, and skilfully assembled to both support and inspire.”

Dr Oliver Escobar, Senior Lecturer, University of Edinburgh, UK

“The longevity of May and Perry’s ‘Social Research’ is richly deserved…combining a sophisticated approach to the unity of theory, method, and context, with clarity and approachability.”

Malcolm Williams, Professor and Co-Director of the Q-Step Centre, Cardiff University, UK 

“Equally valuable for the newcomer and the experienced researcher, the book is elegantly structured and beautifully written, as is always the case with May and Perry’s work.”

Davydd J. Greenwood, Goldwin Smith Professor of Anthropology Emeritus, Cornell University, USA Corresponding Member, Spanish Royal Academy of Moral and Political Sciences




Fully revised and updated, Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process 5th edition bridges the gap between theory and methods in social research and clearly illuminates these essential components for understanding the dynamics of social relations. 

The book is divided into three parts. Part One examines the issues and perspectives in social research, Part Two discusses the methods and Part Three is devoted to reflections on the process of research. Updates to this edition include:

• Two new chapters on working across boundaries and digital research, reflecting critical developments that are shaping the landscape of social research

• Broadening consideration of issues including intersectionality and de-colonial research methods, along with the relationship between knowledge, power, and action

• Revised ‘Discuss, Discover, Do’ sections with expanded suggestions for follow-on activities

• Carefully integrated reflections and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic throughout to draw attention to critical issues

The authors aim to support and inspire, with a clear and accessible writing style that enables students to identify the key issues in social research and how to successfully navigate them. Social Research 5e is the ideal companion to social research for students across the social sciences and for academics and practitioners wishing to remain well-informed on key developments in the field.




Beth Perry is Professor of Urban Knowledge and Governance, and Director of the Urban Institute at the University of Sheffield, UK.

Tim May is a Professorial Fellow at the University of Sheffield, UK and an Honorary Distinguished Professor at the University of Cardiff, UK.