Critical Theory

Definition: Critical theory "attributes social problems to social structures that favor certain groups in society and oppress others along lines of class, race, gender...The solution is to transform society into one in which social equality replaces dominant-subordinate relationships," (Mullaly, 2010, p. 5). Source: Mullaly, B. (2010). Challenging oppression and confronting privilege: A critical social work approach. Don Mills, Ont: Oxford University Press.  

Application: Critical theory can be applied to community development work as a way of starting the process of conscientization, or consciousness raising. While organizing a community and developing its collective power to rally against some kind of social injustice, critical theory can provide a lens for diverse community members to view and identify the common structural forces that oppress and marginalize them and potentially unite them. Furthermore, critical theory can become an important part of the community visioning process for communities that place a high value on social equality.  

Adaptation: Critical theory could easily be utilized in disciplines like political science or public policy. For example, policy analysts and politicians could use critical theory to identify and call attention to legislation that may appear neutral on the surface but might allow for more subtle oppressive and discriminatory practices to take place on the ground.