Ontology and Feminist Theorizing

Abstract

In an earlier paper in Feminist Economics (Tony Lawson 1999), I suggested that there are likely significant benefits to feminist theorizing from adopting an explicit and sustained concern with ontology. I suggested this in the context of observing that theorizing of an explicitly ontological or realist nature is often downplayed and frequently actively discouraged in feminist writing. Several authors have since commented on my earlier paper, indicating points both of agreement and disagreement. In this essay I respond to some of the more critical comments and attempt to clarify my position in the light of them.