Synthesizing Feminist and Critical Realist Approaches to Housing Studies

Abstract

This paper seeks to make a contribution to debate on the epistemological base of housing studies. I argue that there are benefits from seeking an approach that combines key features of critical realist and standpoint feminist positions. Debate in housing studies’ cognate disciplines suggests that these theoretical stances are not inconsistent and I find principles for their being used in concert. The paper shows how those principles are taken forward in parts of the literature. I identify the extent of exposure of housing studies to critical realist and feminist meta-theoretical debate and suggest the analytical implications of a feminist realist approach.