ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at one area where there are strong parallels between historians and ethnographers: in their attitudes towards the use of theory. It draws on the literature dealing with historical explanation in order to clarify some of the problems that surround the role of theory in ethnographic research. The chapter argues that some of the criticisms of the positivist model of historical explanation are misdirected, but that there are at least two that raise difficult questions about the validity of historical and ethnographic studies and their assessment. Generalisations or theoretical claims are not difficult to find in ethnographic accounts either. Moreover, theorising demands investigation of a range of cases, where the theoretical variables take on different values and relevant extraneous variables are controlled. In the face of dogmatic theoreticism, empiricism has definite virtues. In terms of method, systematic search for evidence and its careful handling must be applauded.
