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For emancipation: a Marxist critique of structure within critical realism

Author

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  • Jane Andrew
  • Max Baker

Abstract

Purpose - The authors critique Modell's proposition that critical realism is useful in elucidating and creating possibilities for emancipation. Design/methodology/approach - The authors begin by outlining Modell's conception ofenabling structures. If ‘activated’ by reflexive individuals, these are theorised to be a mechanism through which agents can begin to emancipate themselves. However, the authors argue that emancipation must be contextualised within the material realities of global capitalism, paying particular attention to the shape of inequality and the subjects of exploitation. In doing this, they draw on Marx to pose an alternative view of structure. Findings - In offering a Marxist critique of critical realism, the authors show how capitalist superstructure and base work together to reinforce inequality. In doing this, they highlight the enduring importance of collective action as the engine of emancipation. It is for this reason that they advocate for an emancipatory politics, which is collectively informed outside of, and in conflict with, the logics of capitalism. Research limitations/implications - The authors argue that explicit discussions of capitalism and its structures must be at the centre of critical accounting research, especially when it pertains to emancipation. Originality/value - Given the importance of the conceptual framing of critical accounting research, this article suggests that critical realism has much to offer. That said, the authors draw on Marx to raise a number of important questions about both the nature of structure and the identity of reflexive agents within critical realism. They do this to encourage further debate about the emancipatory possibilities of the critical accounting project and the ideas proposed by Modell (2020).

Suggested Citation

  • Jane Andrew & Max Baker, 2020. "For emancipation: a Marxist critique of structure within critical realism," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 33(3), pages 641-653, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:eme:aaajpp:aaaj-11-2019-4251
    DOI: 10.1108/AAAJ-11-2019-4251
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Weber, Ron, 2023. "Sociomateriality, agential realism, and the metaphysics of accounting information systems: A response to Vosselman and De Loo," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 51(C).
    2. Andrew, Jane & Baker, Max & Huang, Casey, 2023. "Data breaches in the age of surveillance capitalism: Do disclosures have a new role to play?," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    3. Young, Amanda & James, Kieran & Hassan, Abeer, 2022. "The role of regressive sugar tax in the soft drink industry levy (SDIL): A Marxist analysis," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    4. Tweedie, Dale, 2024. "Inclusive capitalism as accounting ideology: The case of integrated reporting," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
    5. Walaa Wahid ElKelish*, 2023. "Accounting for Corporate Human Rights: Literature Review and Future Insights," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 33(2), pages 203-226, June.

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