This paper aims to study the contributions of quantitative and qualitative methods for the construction of knowledge about the social determinants of the weaning process, by comparing the findings of studies published between 2003 and 2009 in LILACS database system. The social determinants identified in quantitative research were expressed by risk variables, while those identified in the qualitative research gave visibility to inter-subjective and objective factors that shape social action. The realization that the quantity and quality are characteristics that make up the complex phenomena, leads us to the triangulation of methods as a strategy to expand the existing knowledge on social determinants of the weaning process and thereby contribute to the expansion of the breast-feeding period.
weaning; breast feeding; methodology
