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 defining qualities that set critical theory apart and make it a distinctive approach within curriculum studies.

First, there is the issue of how it positions itself as an approach. It takes a questioning stance toward truth, meaning, and the nature of society. It asks how things came to be the way they are and what forces operate to keep the world that way. Critical theory challenges beliefs, assumptions, and commonsense interpretations of the way the world is. Part of the approach of critical theory is a robust pursuit of things that are accepted unthinkingly or that are taken as being natural, a questioning of what is normally taken for granted, and a questioning of why this is the case. Critical theory does not accept there are single immutable truths, and it questions the legitimacy of single truths.

Second, critical theory has a number of substantive interests or concerns. One of its most central concerns is how power works and particularly for whom it works. It questions whose interests are being served in continuing to have structures, processes, and practices the way they are. The focus of critical theory thus becomes those practices, institutions, and structures that are unfair, unjust, or undemocratic. In this respect, critical theory is not about criticism or negativity in the sense of being carping, but rather with uncovering how ideas are formed, how they are held in place, and how they might be different. At its most fundamental level, the approach of critical theory is about exposing, unveiling, and unmasking falsity. Its intent is to puncture or interrupt objectified, dominant, or instrumental views.

Third, critical theory is overt and forthright about its transformative intent. In practical terms, critical theory aims to make people aware of what frustrates or impedes them and how they might act on the situation so as to change or transform it. To put this another way, critical theory has an emancipatory intent in that it is committed to enabling people to free themselves from ideas and social practices that bind them, exploit them, or prevent them from being free by tapping into the ways in which people are unaware of how they are being exploited and how the situation they are in perpetuates this exploitation. The larger agenda to which critical theory is committed is ensuring the conditions that enable people to embark upon actions that are more fulfilling personally and that are collectively satisfying for society at large.

...