Abstract
This article addresses key challenges posed by critical realism, proposed by Longhofer and Floersch, as a philosophical underpinning for a science of social work. As a response to Longhofer and Floersch, it is argued that critical realism may be instructive in debates about structural conditions that dictate more inclusive interventions and research. The role of critical and feminist theories is explored as critical realism is offered by Longhofer and Floersch as a preeminent framework for a science of social work. Suggestions are offered for ways researchers might address more systemic or structural variables claimed by critical realists as often “unseen.” Concepts of emergence and stratification are explored and a self-audit is proposed for researchers. Concerns are raised about whether critical realism may sideline the building of more intervention-based knowledge for practice so urgently needed for a science for social work.
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