What's in a conference theme? Some reflections on critical realist research and its emergence in Africa over a period of 20+ years. Issue 5 (20th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
• Is Part Of: Journal of critical realism. Volume 21:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 483
• Page End: 501
• Publication Date: 2022-10-20
• Subjects: applied critical realism -- return to ontology -- dialectical critical realism -- Africana critical theory; Critical realism -- Periodicals; Réalisme critique; 149.205
• DOI: 10.1080/14767430.2023.2146923
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-7430

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In keeping with the 2021 IACR Conference theme (Re) Envisaging Emancipatory Research, Science and Practice, this paper reviews over fifty instances of critical realist research in Africa which have sought to establish emancipatory research praxis by using critical realism to underlabour a range of applied studies in a diversity of disciplines and countries. The initiators of this research have been drawn to critical realism for several reasons, most notably its return to ontology, its interest in transformed, transformative praxis, and its potential for addressing knowledge and experiences exclusions. The paper ends with a reflection on 'What's in a Conference Theme', returning to the earlier 2012 IACR conference hosted in Africa, and the 2021 conference's focus on emancipatory research. It argues both for the deepening of conversations between critical realism and Africana Critical Theory; and for the grounding of these conversations in the voices and power of the people in our communities.