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Cynthia Lins Hamlin persuasively argues that critical realism represents a better safeguard against the relativism which springs from the conflation of social reality and our ideas about it.

Based in the philosophy of critical realism, this book employs a range of Margaret Archer's theoretical concepts to investigate temporal and spatial aspects of Norwegian education. Stemming from Archer's engagement as visiting professor from 2017 to 2019 in the Department of Education at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the book explores a new area for critical realist theorizing by asking how different spatial contexts affect the workings of the system. The various chapters employ diverse sets of Archer's theoretical concepts; from morphogenetic cycles and the emergence of educational systems at the macro level, to the exercise of reflexivity among individual school leaders and students at the micro level. In contrast to the focus on educational homogeneity and similarity among Nordic and Scandinavian countries, and promotion of the conception of the 'Nordic Model', this book draws attention to differences between these nations as well as regional differences within Norway. As such, it will appeal to scholars with interests in education, sociology, critical realism, educational sciences and pedagogy, education history and political science as well those with a specific interest in the Nordic region.

This book split across 2 volumes, is a follow up and companion to Metatheory for the Twenty-First Century. All three of these volumes are the dialogical outcomes of a multi-year symposia series wherein critical realists and integral theorists deeply engaged each other and their distinct but complementary approaches to integrative metatheory.

Presents an argument that the gender biased identity of many states represents the significant barrier to diffusion. This book explores how particular norms have diffused into certain states as a consequence of international and domestic pressure. It also addresses the limitations of explanations of international norms.

Presents a history of the use of hegemony in various works, with a discussion of Gramsci and Russian Marxism and other applications. This book discusses the direction to Marx made by Jacques Derrida, and outlines a realist/Marxist alternative. It clarifies the concept of hegemony and its relation to societal processes.

A collection of articles by philosophers and social scientists. It addresses just what it means to invoke causal mechanisms, or powers, in the context of offering a causal explanation.

This book offers a defence of realism in the philosophy of religion and argues that religious belief - with particular reference to Christian belief - is cognitive and open to rational discussion between believers and

In this book Christopher Norris develops the case for scientific realism by tackling various adversary arguments from a range of anti-realist positions.

Poststructuralism has achieved remarkable success in challenging our belief in natural sex categories and instincts. Embracing biological and cultural variability, this book shows that the sexed body is naturally structured and deeply meaningful. It employs colourful illustrations from biology, anthropology and psychology.

Andrew Collier is the boldest defender of objectivity - in science, knowledge, thought, action, politics, morality and religion. The diverse contributions range from social and political thought to philosophy.

This reader is designed to make accessible in one volume, to lay person and academic, student and teacher alike, key readings to stimulate debate about and within critical realism.

In Europe, the framework of economic competitiveness has become the defining aim of education, to be achieved by managerialist techniques and mechanisms. This book argues against this vision of education, and offers a different approach.

Methodological debates in the social sciences have increasingly focused on issues relating to epistemology. This book charts a ground between postmodernism and positivism. It argues that realism can combine a definition of social reality with an anti-foundational approach to knowledge. It develops the realist anti-foundationalism.

By constructing historical materialism as realist social theory, it becomes possible to resolve many dilemmas in Marxist discourse, such as voluntarism versus determinism and humanism versus economism. This book rethinks Marx's sociology as a form of realist social theory, extending Roy Bhaskar's philosophical realism into the social sciences.

"Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada by Routledge."

Ontology is gaining interdisciplinary influence as a popular tool for applied research. This book focuses on these developments within the social sciences. It also analyzes the relationship between the new ontological projects and the more traditional approaches. It is aimed at students and researchers across the social sciences.

The twenty-first century is characterized by extremes of poverty and wealth, of scarcity and abundance. Recognising that Africa in particular has manifested this global disgrace and symbolizes the nature of poverty to the western world, this book aims to give an important platform from which to move forwards in the fight against poverty.

This book split across 2 volumes, is a follow up and companion to Metatheory for the Twenty-First Century. All three of these volumes are the dialogical outcomes of a multi-year symposia series wherein critical realists and integral theorists deeply engaged each other and their distinct but complementary approaches to integrative metatheory.

The book addresses such issues as the work of Derrida and deconstruction, discourse theory, Eurocentrism and poststructuralism.

Addresses the interlocking themes of realism, objectivity, existentialism and politics. This work defends objectivity in science, knowledge, and ethics, and examines both subjective idealism and existentialist critiques of objectivity. It also examines some of the themes from different angles, keeping the politics of the issues at the forefront.