Critical Tradition

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

When we view the world through a critical lens, we no longer feel we are part of the problem, but rather part of the solution. This theory reveals the ways in which an unjust society convinces people by sharing a set of ideas that an unjust situation is normal. Critical theory provides us with a way of reading a situation so as both to understand and change it.