Critical Theory Curriculum Ideology

Critical theory is a philosophical, sociological, and cultural studies term that relates closely to [Page 156]matters of legitimation, power and conflict, and argument. These are matters of central and defining interest in curriculum studies. Critical theory can be defined as an orientation, a disposition, and a way of acting on the world in order to change it. Above all, critical theory is a form of social analysis that is not prepared to accept things at face value or as they are presented.

It is important to note that critical theory does not constitute a single approach, but rather can be found in a family of related approaches—feminism, Marxism, poststructuralism, postmodernism, post-coloniality, critical race theory, and queer theory, to mention a few. There are a number of ...