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Think Different: Accounting as a Systems Theorist—Gender, Race and Class

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Abstract

Intellectual legacy, but not when we recognize Tony Lowe’s inspirations to think deeply, courageously, and differently; aspirations mirroring intersectionality research. Lowe saw the world as created and recreated, and, as a systems theorist, he saw society, organizations and accounting in complex and fascinating ways. Knowledge like a kaleidoscope contains mesmerizing and infinite possibilities and Lowe’s appreciation of the construction of knowledge combined with his systems perspective recognized that even the smallest shifts in a system—from within and without, holds potentiality. Critique and change were his fundamental passions and entreaty for scholarly work; it is thus unsurprising he stimulates re-imagination of the discipline with gender, race and class explorations. Tony Lowe was a change agent, and we acknowledge in this paper his substantive expansion of the discipline. By reviewing past explorations in intersectionality research and illustrating pathways forward, we honor Lowe’s lasting contributions and take seriously his appeal for fostering change.

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Acknowledgement

With appreciation for the support of Hofstra University.

Dedication

In memory of my beloved mother, Lillian H. Shoulson.

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Lehman, C.R. (2016). Think Different: Accounting as a Systems Theorist—Gender, Race and Class. In: Haslam, J., Sikka, P. (eds) Pioneers of Critical Accounting. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-54212-0_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-54212-0_9

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