Critical realism, as a toolkit of practical ideas, helps researchers to extend and clarify their analyses. It resolves problems arising from splits between different research approaches, builds on the strengths of different methods and overcomes their individual limitations.

This original text draws on international examples of health and illness research across the life course, from small studies to large trials, to show how versatile critical realism can be in validating research and connecting it to policy and practice.

To meet growing demand from students and researchers, this book is based on the course at UCL, first taught by Roy Bhaskar, the founder of critical realism.

"This book is wonderfully written, rich discussion of a vastly underused and underappreciated theory approach in British sociology. It is one of the best introductions to
critical realism I have come across." BSA Network Magazine

“No doubt, students, researchers and others interested in critical realism and health will find the insightful discussion of this difficult, yet important, topic very useful." Ebenezer Durojaye, University of the Western Cape

“This is a clear and comprehensive exploration of health from a critical realist perspective. A rich resource for students of the topic, whether they are lecturers or students." David Wilson, University of Liverpool and University of Southampton

“This is such an exciting offering for those, like me, who find critical realism intuitively and practically appealing, but also partly opaque and difficult. I look forward to using this book in my research and with my students." Tom Shakespeare, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

“A timely enrichment to extant literature for health researchers. This book inspires researchers to become more aware, explicit, thoughtful, and critical in their use of research theories.” Health

“This engaging handbook powerfully demonstrates the value of critical realism for health and illness research. Essential reading for social theorists exploring the applicability of critical realism for health and illness researchers searching for a better theoretical foundation.” Douglas Porpora, Drexel University

“This book is a wonderfully written, rich discussion of a vastly underused and under-appreciated theory approach in British sociology. It is one of the best introductions to critical realism I have come across.” British Sociology Association Newsletter

Priscilla Alderson is Professor Emerita of Childhood Studies in the Social Research Institute, UCL.

Introduction

Rethinking theories: the basis of practical research and problems with paradigms

Basic critical realist concepts

Structure and agency: making connections

Health and illness research: value-free or value-laden?

Four planes of social being: more connections

Researching transformative change over time

The point is to change it: connecting research to policy and practice

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