The role of meta-theoretical debates is frequently misunderstood. Some see metatheorizing
as nothing more than a quick precursor to empirical research. Others see it as a
distraction from the real issues that should concern the discipline. However, it is impossible
for research to proceed in any subject domain in the social sciences in the absence of a set
of commitments embedded within positions on the philosophy of social science. In this sense, meta-theoretical positions direct, in a fundamental way, the manner in which people
theorize and, indeed, ‘see’ the world.