Pickvance turns comparison into an explicit theory of explanation. His central argument is that comparative analysis cannot be reduced to the familiar distinction between explaining similarities and explaining differences; it must also distinguish whether explanations presume common causal patterns or plural causation. From these two axes he derives four varieties of comparative analysis. The iconic idea is methodological pluralism grounded in causal structure: similar outcomes may emerge from different causes, and different outcomes may in some cases be explained through a common underlying principle. The paper’s theoretical contribution is to enlarge the space of comparative reasoning beyond conventional variable-based assumptions. Methodologically, Pickvance examines research design, conceptual equivalence, holistic versus variable-oriented strategies, structural conditions and the relation between comparison and single-case analysis. He stresses that comparison requires at least two cases and an explanatory ambition rather than mere juxtaposition. The work bridges housing studies, comparative sociology and causal methodology while remaining broadly applicable across urban research.
URBANISM MEETS ART