The reality defined by the radical structuralist paradigm, like that of the radical humanist, is predicated upon a view of society as a potentially dominating force. However, it is tied to a materialist conception of the social world, which is de- fined by hard, concrete, ontologically real structures. Reality is seen as existing on its own account independently of the way in which it is perceived and reaffirmed by people in everyday activities. This reality is viewed as being charac- terized by intrinsic tensions and contradictions between op- posing elements, which inevitably lead to radical change in the system as a whole. The radical structuralist is concerned with understanding these intrinsic tensions, and the way in which those with power in society seek to hold them in check through various modes of domination. Emphasis is placed upon the importance of praxis as a means of tran- scending this domination