What is the use of critical realist theory in ethnographic research?

It is rather uncommon to have an articulated theory orientation in ethnographic research. Post-modern ethnographers tend to emphasize open-ended empirically grounded approaches with the aim to represent the complexity and... [ view full abstract ]

It is rather uncommon to have an articulated theory orientation in ethnographic research. Post-modern ethnographers tend to emphasize open-ended empirically grounded approaches with the aim to represent the complexity and subjectivity of the social reality. However, whereas post-modern ethnography acknowledges the subjectivity of social reality, it fails to set any standards for what is a legitimated account of the social world. If social reality is a matter of subjective interpretation, it is fair to ask: what makes a scientific and ethnography based statement legitimated as scientific?

In my presentation I will address how the use of critical realist theory, particularly the work of Derek Layder, can support scientific argumentation in the line of ethnographic research. Referring to critical realist theory, social structures are considered ‘real’ and it is possible to demonstrate through scientific and ethnographic means how social structures condition social activities. A key assumption is that critical realist theory provides not just a frame of thought to understand the complex links between social actions and underlying social structures. Critical realist theory gives also methodological tools to explore and illustrate the connections between structures and actions through adaptive research practice. The empirical examples in the presentation are based on an ethnographic study conducted in two upper-level compulsory schools in Helsinki. I will also present how I will implement critical realism based methodology in an upcoming ethnographic study on psychosocial work with boys and young masculinities.

The presentation is a part of the research symposium Applying critical realism in social work research – empirical examples.