Idealtyper og fuzzy mængdelære i komparative studier

Fuzzy set theory is a new approach in social science. It allows precise operationalisation of theoretical concepts, configuration of concepts in analytical constructs such as ideal types, and the categorisation of cases in relation to such concepts and analytical constructs. The method is particular well-suited for studies with a medium number of cases that aims to explore diversity, that is the simultaneous study of similarities and differences of a qualitative and quantitative nature. The paper sets out main elements of fuzzy set theory and demonstrates its potential use in an analysis of the recent developments in family policy in the Nordic countries. In relation to an ideal typical Social Democratic family policy model, the type and scope of numerous policy changes are assessed. All countries expand the degree of universality in childcare, and Norway, the most traditional of the Nordic countries, gets in line with the other Nordic countries, whereas benefit generosity Sweden is significantly reduced. Thus, despite differences in the type and scope of change all the Nordic countries can still be said to belong to an ideal typical Social Democratic family policy model, although to a different extent that at the onset of the 1990s.
The method has a number of advantages in studies with a medium number of cases where the variable-oriented approach suffer from the Small N problem and an inability in such studies to distinguish between the case-oriented approach from too big a much as in many comparative studies, in particular studies that seek to explore diversity.