25 Years Of QCA (Qualitative Comparative Analysis): Which Path Travelled So Far?

This contribution aims to trace back the development of QCA (Qualitative Comparative Analysis), which was initiated by Charles Ragin twenty-five years ago. We first analyse how the context in which QCA was launched has framed it as a research approach and also summarize the initial features of that approach. We then present the main debates spurred by QCA as well as some main responses that have been brought, particularly in terms of technical innovations. Finally, we examine the different ways in which QCA has been exploited thus far as a set of techniques (crisp-set QCA, multivalue QCA and fuzzy-set QCA), in disciplinary terms and in more descriptive v/s more explanatory ways. We then conclude with some reflections on QCA’s promises as well as perils as it is being mainstreamed and used in increasingly diverse ways.