Critical theory is explained as being the critique of the
society as a whole. Its objective is to delve deeper into every aspect of social life. Identifying the layers which builds social life allows the opportunity to unravel socially constructed norms and conventions. These constructed norms and conventions found in society hinder the true understanding of how the world works. Two focal points of critical theory are: the society should be understood based on a specified time in history and to gain a better understanding of society. Critical theory encompasses three forms of applying theory and practice: explanatory, practical, and normative. Explanatory is explaining what
is going on and what is wrong in the current society. Practical is having a plan of action by identifying actors of social change. Normative is evaluating social norms and developing a plan for social transformation. Critical theory supports bringing consciousness of oppression, while resistance becomes an emergent factor. In the United States social movements are used as a form of bringing
awareness and developing resistance towards social, political, and economic injustices.
In the American society, different forms of oppression have been embedded in the culture of the country. Being in an oppressive state is when an individual or a specific entity is in an authoritative power, exercising their power in an unjust manner. These injustices exhibited by those whom power is given treat others unfairly. Being oppressed is viewed as being negative and causes human rights to be violated. As depicted in the picture, oppression is shown as a black tunnel. A tunnel is an underground passageway through or under an obstruction. Often times since a tunnel can be found underground it cannot be seen, especially from the outside. In comparison to a tunnel, oppression is concealed through the misuse of power given to certain individuals and groups of people. The color black, the shade of the tunnel, can be understood as being gloomy, hopeless, or something unpleasant. Black characterizes oppression as being in a negative or suppressive state.
The obstruction through which oppression passes through is acted upon based on social constructs. Social constructs found in society include: gender, race, language, nationality, etc. Those entities with power exercise their authority, often times, by using those social constructs to treat others unjust. As depicted in the picture the unjust treatment of individuals and groups of people are embodied through racism, sexism, violence, hate, terror, bigotry, genocide, and able-ism. Through
critical theory, the focal point would be to bring awareness to these injustices demonstrated in social life and develop resistance. The resistance towards racism, sexism, etc. develops into social movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Suffrage Movement, Feminism Movement, etc.
Social Movements are characterized as being collective actions towards social change. Efforts of social movements are used to make improvements to social life. In an effort to make improvements within the society as a whole, one needs to understand reality. Understanding reality is observing things as they actually appear in society. As a result, one can begin to seek out ways to make changes. From a critical standpoint, a social movement requires an explanation, practical solutions, and a normative atmosphere. Social movements throughout history explain the current event and the people involved. The movements implement a plan of action by identifying actors of social change, the collective group. The whole essence or being of the social movement is to evaluate social norms which are the reality of the oppressed and those in power. Collectively the group plan ways to transform the current social life. By doing so, the social norms of being in an oppressive state begin to unravel.
society as a whole. Its objective is to delve deeper into every aspect of social life. Identifying the layers which builds social life allows the opportunity to unravel socially constructed norms and conventions. These constructed norms and conventions found in society hinder the true understanding of how the world works. Two focal points of critical theory are: the society should be understood based on a specified time in history and to gain a better understanding of society. Critical theory encompasses three forms of applying theory and practice: explanatory, practical, and normative. Explanatory is explaining what
is going on and what is wrong in the current society. Practical is having a plan of action by identifying actors of social change. Normative is evaluating social norms and developing a plan for social transformation. Critical theory supports bringing consciousness of oppression, while resistance becomes an emergent factor. In the United States social movements are used as a form of bringing
awareness and developing resistance towards social, political, and economic injustices.
In the American society, different forms of oppression have been embedded in the culture of the country. Being in an oppressive state is when an individual or a specific entity is in an authoritative power, exercising their power in an unjust manner. These injustices exhibited by those whom power is given treat others unfairly. Being oppressed is viewed as being negative and causes human rights to be violated. As depicted in the picture, oppression is shown as a black tunnel. A tunnel is an underground passageway through or under an obstruction. Often times since a tunnel can be found underground it cannot be seen, especially from the outside. In comparison to a tunnel, oppression is concealed through the misuse of power given to certain individuals and groups of people. The color black, the shade of the tunnel, can be understood as being gloomy, hopeless, or something unpleasant. Black characterizes oppression as being in a negative or suppressive state.
The obstruction through which oppression passes through is acted upon based on social constructs. Social constructs found in society include: gender, race, language, nationality, etc. Those entities with power exercise their authority, often times, by using those social constructs to treat others unjust. As depicted in the picture the unjust treatment of individuals and groups of people are embodied through racism, sexism, violence, hate, terror, bigotry, genocide, and able-ism. Through
critical theory, the focal point would be to bring awareness to these injustices demonstrated in social life and develop resistance. The resistance towards racism, sexism, etc. develops into social movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Suffrage Movement, Feminism Movement, etc.
Social Movements are characterized as being collective actions towards social change. Efforts of social movements are used to make improvements to social life. In an effort to make improvements within the society as a whole, one needs to understand reality. Understanding reality is observing things as they actually appear in society. As a result, one can begin to seek out ways to make changes. From a critical standpoint, a social movement requires an explanation, practical solutions, and a normative atmosphere. Social movements throughout history explain the current event and the people involved. The movements implement a plan of action by identifying actors of social change, the collective group. The whole essence or being of the social movement is to evaluate social norms which are the reality of the oppressed and those in power. Collectively the group plan ways to transform the current social life. By doing so, the social norms of being in an oppressive state begin to unravel.