Critical realism: a suitable vehicle for entrepreneurship research?

Abstract

This chapter provides an outline of the origins and principal features of critical realist social theory, followed by a focused review of the methodological implications of this philosophical perspective. The primary purpose of the chapter is to consider why critical realism might offer a suitable ‘vehicle’ for qualitative research in the field of entrepreneurship, and to assess its explanatory potential with reference to recent empirical studies informed by a realist perspective. The concluding section is a reflection on the issues faced by researchers who are considering critical realism against alternative approaches, together with suggestions for further reading.