Administering CR to resuscitate sociology

Abstract

The Critical Realist meta-theoretical position in sociology and other social sciences has tended to remain on the margins of the mainstream. Porpora develops the case for reconstructing sociology through the more active deployment of Critical Realist tenets. In developing his reform agenda, Porpora reviews the contribution Critical Realist views could have on several key recalcitrant issues in sociological theory and assesses the comparative performances of an array of contemporary sociology approaches in contributing to each of these issues. This essay summarizes his argument and suggests extensions.