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All Journal Journal of Critical Realism in Socio-Economic (JOCRISE)
Block, Walter E.
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Religion Humanities Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

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PRICE GOUGING DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC J. Cesario, Anthony; Block, Walter E.
Journal of Critical Realism in Socio-Economics (JOCRISE) Vol. 2 No. 3 (2024): Israel-Palestine Conflict: Religious Element
Publisher : University of Darussalam Gontor Press

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21111/jocrise.v2i3.62

Abstract

Following the coronavirus outbreak, the demand for certain products such as hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and toilet paper dramatically increased. Due to anti-price-gouging legislation and the fear of the backlash associated with being accused of this practice, however, most retailers have not increased the prices on these commodities. As a result, there has been a massive shortage of these essential items as the first people to arrive buy them all up and leave none for those who arrive later. This means that many of those who may need them more (and would be willing to pay way more than others) are unable to find them. Some stores have tried to limit the number of goods that can be purchased, but since the price hasn't increased, there is still a large shortage. In an attempt to improve the situation some dissatisfied customers travel to different stores and buy up as much of the product as possible and then sell it online for higher prices so that those who value them more than others can get them. Unfortunately, though, online retailers such as eBay and Amazon have cracked down on such price gouging and are consequently making the situation worse. This paper first examines anti-price gouging laws and the effects they have on the price system, such as creating shortages of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and toilet paper during the coronavirus pandemic critiques. It then analyzes several arguments that have been made in favor of anti-price gouging laws
It Is Time, It Is Past Time, To Resolve The Abortion Debate Block, Walter E.
Journal of Critical Realism in Socio-Economics (JOCRISE) Vol. 3 No. 04 (2025): DISCUSSION ON QUR’ANIC NATURE OF MONEY
Publisher : University of Darussalam Gontor Press

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21111/jocrise.v3i04.86

Abstract

Debates over bodily autonomy and abortion often polarize between pro-choice and pro-life positions. “Evictionism” offers a third perspective, framing pregnancy through the lens of property rights and bodily sovereignty: a woman has full ownership of her body, and a fetus is considered an innocent but unauthorized occupant. This study explores evictionism within a critical realist paradigm, recognizing the layered reality of biological processes, social structures, and technological possibilities. It situates the argument in socio-economic contexts where access to reproductive healthcare, legal frameworks, and medical technology shape women’s autonomy and fetal viability. Using a critical realist approach, this research employs theoretical analysis and socio-economic contextualization. The study identifies ontological layers of pregnancy (biological, legal, and cultural), explores causal mechanisms (property rights discourse, medical technologies enabling fetal survival, and social norms), and evaluates agency-structure interactions. Data are drawn from legal texts, bioethical literature, and socio-economic reports on reproductive healthcare access. The methodology emphasizes retroduction to uncover underlying mechanisms and assesses how technology and policy mediate ethical positions on evictionism. Findings indicate that evictionism functions as a contingent ethical framework, deeply dependent on material conditions. In socio-economic settings with advanced neonatal care, evictionism converges with pro-life outcomes in late-term pregnancies while maintaining bodily autonomy. In contexts with limited healthcare infrastructure, evictionism’s overlap with pro-choice outcomes becomes pronounced due to technological constraints. The analysis reveals that bodily autonomy cannot be abstracted from socio-economic realities and power structures. Critical realism highlights evictionism’s emancipatory potential while cautioning against reducing bodily integrity to property metaphors without addressing systemic inequalities.
The Advantages of Free Trade Over Tariffs Asprodites, Emmanuel M.; Block, Walter E.
Journal of Critical Realism in Socio-Economics (JOCRISE) Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): Supercardinal Accountability of Allah, Heaven, and Earth
Publisher : University of Darussalam Gontor Press

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21111/jocrise.v4i1.92

Abstract

The term paper examines the historic conflict between protectionism and free trade, arguing that unilateral free trade is the superior economic policy. While tariffs are traditionally justified as tools to guard home industries and protect jobs, economic theory and existing evidence confirm that such protectionist behavior ultimately reduces economic efficiency, raises consumer prices, and hurts long-run growth. Drawing from the initial theories of David Ricardo and Adam Smith and Austrian economists today, the paper describes how open markets, specialization, and comparative advantage provide a win-win scenario for trading nations. Historical evidence from case studies like Britain's post-Corn Laws period and the East Asian export-led growth is testimony that countries thrive if free trade is permitted. Lastly, the evidence is in favor of the argument that free trade is not just economically optimal but also ethical, and should be embraced as a means to greater prosperity and global development.
Co-Authors Asprodites, Emmanuel M. J. Cesario, Anthony