Resisting Reality

This collection of essays explores how gender and race are socially constructed, offering insights to understand and challenge systemic injustice, as discussed in Resisting Reality.

In Resisting Reality, Sally Haslanger presents a compelling collection of previously published essays that delve into the intersections of feminist and critical race theory. She utilizes contemporary analytic philosophy to articulate the notion that gender and race are not merely personal identities but positions within a complex structure of social relations. By unpacking these interlocking structures, Haslanger provides valuable insights that equip readers with the tools necessary to understand and combat social injustices.

The essays explore the concept of 'social construction,' revealing how what is often perceived as 'natural' is, in fact, shaped by social contexts. This exploration is not merely an academic exercise; it has significant political implications. By situating gender and race within a realist social ontology, Haslanger emphasizes the importance of recognizing these categories as socially constructed in order to effectively challenge systemic injustices.

While the central focus of Resisting Reality is on critical social realism concerning gender and race, the essays also serve as case studies for a broader critical social realism. Haslanger reexamines notions of ideology, practice, and social structure, drawing on recent sociological and psychological research. Furthermore, the work engages with philosophical methodology and debates in metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of language, ultimately bridging the gap between analytic philosophy and critical theory.