CRITICAL TRADITION
of
Robert T. Craig
Robert T. Craig is a communication theorist from the University of Colorado, Boulder who received his B.A. in Speech at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and his M.A and PhD. in communication from Michigan State University. Craig proposes a vision for communication theory that takes a huge step toward unifying this rather disparate field and addressing its complexities. To move toward this unifying vision Craig focused on communication theory as a practical discipline and shows how "various traditions of communication theory can be engaged in dialogue on the practice of communication.
I. What is Critical Theory?
Critical Theory is a philosophical approach to culture, and especially to literature, that seeks to confront the social, historical, and ideological forces and structures that produce and constrain it.
II. Origins of
Critical Theory
The term “critical theory” comes from the work of the German
scholars known as the “Frankfurt School” because they were part of the
independent Institute for Social Research at Frankfurt University. This was
originally a set up to test the ideas of Karl Marx. This school rejected the economic determinism
of orthodox Marxism yet carried on the Marxist tradition of critiquing society.
III. Purpose of
Critical Theory
Critical theory is a philosophy that involves being critical
of the prevailing view of society. In many cases, that means looking closer at
beliefs that might favor privileged people.
It is a type of social theory oriented toward critiquing and
changing society as a whole, in contrast to traditional theory which is used
only to understand our world or explain it.
IV. Application of
Critical Theory
a) On Education
One way of using Critical Theory in Education is by
questioning how our educational system can best offer education to all people.
It offers opportunities and understanding of the different perspective and
disadvantaged members of society. For example, poor children often go to more
poorly funded schools than their middle and upper class counterparts. And less
funding can mean issues like availability of technology or good teachers.
One modern day theorist, Brookfield in 2005 posits that if
we change our minds about who holds the power (the teacher) and approach
learning as a participatory democracy we will be taking a step in the right
direction.
b) On Technology
Technology is a big part of success in the business world
and most jobs require computer literacy. Mostly they require a basic
understanding of smartphones and tablets, too. As an extension of that, most
schools have technology as part of their everyday activities and seems ubiquitous
in schools. But there are problems with access to technology.
How Technology
relates to Education
Poorer schools can have a harder time getting technology in
the hands of their students. Remember that critical theory in education is
about making sure that every student gets a good education, so lack of
technology in poorer schools can be problem that keeps everyone from getting a
good education
Recommendation on
how can Education can become a great equalizer
The playing field for students, whether rich, poor and even
with disabilities can be levelled through development of more inclusive
practices by Educators. With better
attention given to disadvantaged students, such as poor and those with
disabilities, everyone will have an equal opportunity to learn.
c) On Communication
Critical Theory can be applied in Communication challenging
the three features of contemporary society.
1) The control of language to perpetuate power
imbalances.
- Critical theorists condemn any
use of words that inhibits emancipation.
2) The role of mass media in dulling sensitivity to
repression.
- Critical theorists see the
“culture industries” of television, film, MP3s, and print media as reproducing
dominant ideology of a culture. It is a way to distract people from recognizing
the unjust distribution of power within society.
3) Blind reliance on the scientific method and uncritical
acceptance of empirical findings.
- Critical theorists are suspicious
of empirical work that scientists claim to be ideologically free because
science is not the value-free pursuit of knowledge that it claims to be.
V. Conclusion
These are the following theories under Critical Tradition:
Mass Communication student of Ateneo de Davao University
#commtheoryisfun
