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

“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

• IntroductionRethinking theories: the basis of practical research and problems with paradigmsBasic critical realist concepts Structure and agency: making connectionsHealth and illness research: value-free or value-laden? Four planes of social being: more connectionsResearching transformative change over timeThe point is to change it: connecting research to policy and practice

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

“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

• IntroductionRethinking theories: the basis of practical research and problems with paradigmsBasic critical realist concepts Structure and agency: making connectionsHealth and illness research: value-free or value-laden? Four planes of social being: more connectionsResearching transformative change over timeThe point is to change it: connecting research to policy and practice

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

“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

• IntroductionRethinking theories: the basis of practical research and problems with paradigmsBasic critical realist concepts Structure and agency: making connectionsHealth and illness research: value-free or value-laden? Four planes of social being: more connectionsResearching transformative change over timeThe point is to change it: connecting research to policy and practice