Critical Realism in Social Science

Critical Realism is a philosophy in social science that believes there is an objective reality underlying social phenomena, but our understanding of it is always partial and influenced by context and perspective. It emphasizes that social things—like institutions or power dynamics—exist independently but are also shaped by human actions and perceptions. Critical realism encourages researchers to look beyond surface appearances to uncover deeper structures and causes, allowing for a more nuanced and constructive understanding of social life. It balances acknowledging a real world with the complexity of how it is interpreted and changed by people.