What is Critical Realism? (with Priscilla Alderson)
Channel: Children in Theory
Date: 2023-11-07

In this session of the Children in Theory series, Priscilla Alderson introduces critical realism as a theoretical method, introducing the role that theories in general play in empirical research, the core tenets of a critical realist approach, the key thinkers in the field, the role of critical realism in aiding in bridging the gap between different theoretical and empirical methodologies, and how it can be put into practice.

Simply explained, critical realism aims to inform data analysis in any research topic or method, by both taking the reality of the research subject seriously into account, while adding a critical perspective to how reality is assessed. The ‘critical’ aspect of the methodology refers to the tradition of critiquing inadequate research methods and arguments, and also critiquing injustice and oppression in the Marxist tradition to change the world as well as to interpret it.

Alderson, P. (2022). What is Critical Realism? In N. Brando, D. Lawson and H. Stalford (eds.) Children in Theory: Theoretical Methods and Approaches to the Study of Childhood.  Online Masterclass Series. University of Liverpool.

For more information on critical realism and the Children in Theory series, follow the link below:
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/humanities-and-social-sciences/research/research-themes/children-childhood/children-in-theory/critical-realism/