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The Critical Theory Reading Reminds Me Of The Idea Of Frankenstein 's Monster

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Osazuwa Osayomwanbor
200345160
Sociology/Social Studies
READING SUMMARY/REFLECTION (SOC 802)

Topic: Critical Sociological Theory

INTRODUCTION

The critical theory reading reminds me of the idea of Frankenstein’s monster . This idea describes any process that sets up to destroy itself. It helps us to appreciate the links in the building blocks of any process and how those links create weaknesses that unravel the same process. As it relates to critical theory, we will see quite clearly how the theory builds up and eventually collapse as we study its evolution.

I am attracted to critical theory first of all due to its links with Marxism. For me, Marxism is the exact model of what a theory should be. It describes, explains and predicts the outcome of a specific social situation. While the processes prescribed may be contestable- in fact, every idea should be contestable-, the fact that it attempts to fulfill all aspects of a theory makes Marxism the all-time great. But this reading is not about Marxism, it is about critical theory. So, what is critical theory? How is the theory applied in society? What are the major ideas that it draw from? What are the major flaws in the theory and how has the theory itself contributed to its downfall?

CONCEPTUALIZING CRITICAL THEORY

Critical theory is an idea that speaks to the individual desire for achieving success as defined by the individual and not the society. It lends itself more to finding out why there are paradoxes in society.

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