Sociocultural positivism: Critical evaluation in three research vignettes

Abstract

The paper develops a critical evaluation of sociocultural positivism by contrasting it with universal positivism, on the one hand, and with unique authorial dialogism, stemming from Bakhtin’s dialogical framework, on the other hand. I will bring three research vignettes to make my analysis more grounded: on universal positivism, on sociocultural positivism, and on authorial ethical dialogism. Sociocultural positivism is not rebuked or rejected, but rather it must be limited in search for the boundary of its legitimate use and existence. A complementary framework based on Bakhtin’s philosophical framework of dialogism that would deepen sociocultural positivism is proposed.