Abstract
This chapter explores the inadequacies of conventional paradigms and argues the case for a sustained effort to build post-conventional theory in relation to gender, social justice and the environment. Drawing on the work of key post-structural feminists a post-conventional framework is explored. It is argued that while significant theorising has been done in reconceptualising these issues, there is need to maintain a focus on abstract theory and to sustain the momentum of the paradigmatic shift from conventional approaches in order to effectively re-imagine the foundations of social theory. Further, if this momentum is not sustained, neglect in theory-building at the ontological level could contribute to ongoing oppression. Without reimagining and articulating a post-conventional foundation, there is a risk – by default or design – that we draw on an inappropriate and fundamentally oppressive ontology.
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Bell, K. (2013). Post-conventional Approaches to Gender, Climate Change and Social Justice. In: Alston, M., Whittenbury, K. (eds) Research, Action and Policy: Addressing the Gendered Impacts of Climate Change. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5518-5_4
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