[Theory] Critical Realism

This post covers critical realism with its definition, origin, characteristics, applications, and limitations.

1. Introduction

In the realm of social science, the quest to uncover the underlying truths of our complex social world has driven researchers for centuries. Among the various philosophical perspectives that have emerged, critical realism has proven to be a valuable framework for comprehending social phenomena in a holistic and nuanced manner. With its roots in philosophy and its applications in social science, critical realism offers a unique approach that acknowledges the existence of an objective reality while recognizing the influence of human subjectivity. In this blog post, we will explore the definition, origin and history, key characteristics, applications, and limitations of critical realism in the context of social science.

2. Definition

Critical realism can be understood as a philosophical framework that seeks to bridge the gap between positivism and relativism by acknowledging the existence of an external reality that is independent of human perception. It recognizes that our understanding of reality is mediated through our perceptions and interpretations, but it also posits that there are underlying structures and mechanisms that shape the social world. Critical realism suggests that we can gain knowledge of this reality through a combination of empirical observation and critical analysis.

3. Origin and History

The roots of critical realism can be traced back to the works of philosophers such as Roy Bhaskar and his seminal book "A Realist Theory of Science" published in 1975. Bhaskar sought to reconcile the shortcomings of both positivism and relativism by proposing a framework that accommodates both objective reality and human subjectivity. He argued that reality exists independently of our perceptions and can be understood through a process of critical inquiry.

Building upon Bhaskar's foundational work, critical realism expanded into the realm of social science through the works of scholars like Margaret Archer, Andrew Sayer, and Tony Lawson. These scholars recognized the limitations of positivist approaches in explaining social phenomena and embraced critical realism as a more comprehensive alternative.

4. Key Characteristics

1. Ontological Stratification:
Critical realism posits that reality consists of different strata, each with its own distinct properties and mechanisms. This understanding allows for a layered analysis of social phenomena, recognizing that surface-level observations are influenced by deeper underlying structures.

2. Epistemic Relativism:
Critical realism acknowledges the role of human subjectivity and interpretation in shaping our understanding of reality. It emphasizes the need for reflexivity and critical analysis to go beyond surface-level appearances and uncover the underlying causal mechanisms.

3. Transitive and Intransitive Dimensions:
Critical realism differentiates between transitive and intransitive dimensions of social reality. The transitive dimension refers to the observable, empirical aspects of reality, while the intransitive dimension refers to the underlying mechanisms and structures that generate these empirical manifestations.

4. Mechanisms and Structures:
Critical realism places a strong emphasis on identifying and understanding the generative mechanisms and structures that produce social phenomena. By uncovering these underlying causes, researchers can move beyond mere description and gain deeper insights into social processes.

5. Contextual Embeddedness:
Critical realism recognizes the importance of context in shaping social phenomena. It emphasizes the need to consider the historical, cultural, and social contexts in which social phenomena occur, enabling a more comprehensive analysis.

5. Applications

Critical realism offers valuable applications across various disciplines within social science, including sociology, anthropology, political science, and economics. Some key applications include:

1. Social Theory Development:
Critical realism provides a framework for the development of social theories that go beyond descriptive accounts. By uncovering the underlying mechanisms and structures, researchers can create theories that explain the causes and consequences of social phenomena.

2. Causal Explanations:
Critical realism allows researchers to provide robust causal explanations for social phenomena. By identifying the generative mechanisms and structures, researchers can move beyond correlations and uncover the underlying causes.

3. Policy Analysis:
Critical realism offers a valuable lens for policy analysis. By understanding the underlying social mechanisms and structures, policymakers can design interventions that address the root causes of social issues rather than solely focusing on superficial manifestations.

4. Interdisciplinary Research:
Critical realism encourages interdisciplinary collaboration by providing a common framework that bridges different social science disciplines. It allows researchers to integrate insights from various fields to gain a more comprehensive understanding of complex social phenomena.

6. Limitations

While critical realism offers significant contributions to social science, it is not without its limitations. Some key limitations include:

1. Complexity and Accessibility:
Critical realism can be a complex and abstract framework, making it challenging for researchers and practitioners to apply in practice. Its nuanced concepts and terminology may pose barriers to widespread adoption.

2. Methodological Challenges:
The application of critical realism requires researchers to adopt a mixed-methods approach that combines empirical observation with critical analysis. This can present challenges in terms of data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

3. Philosophical Debates:
Critical realism has sparked debates and discussions within the philosophical community. Critics argue that critical realism is not immune to subjectivity and that its claims of uncovering objective reality are still influenced by human interpretations.

4. Practical Limitations:
The application of critical realism may be limited in certain research contexts. For example, conducting large-scale quantitative studies may pose challenges in fully capturing the nuanced aspects of critical realism.

7. Conclusion

Critical realism offers a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of social phenomena in social science research. By recognizing the existence of an objective reality while acknowledging the influence of human subjectivity, critical realism provides a nuanced and holistic approach to studying the social world. Despite its limitations, critical realism has the potential to enhance our understanding of social processes, develop robust social theories, and inform evidence-based policy interventions. As social scientists continue to grapple with the complexities of our world, critical realism stands as a valuable tool in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.