Critical theories are frameworks which analyze how systems of power create and enforce social structures as well as social inequities. The following critical theories (among others) may be useful for educators who want to understand the ways language establishes ‘truths’ and ‘knowledge’ which perpetuates the oppression of non-conforming people – as well as the ways language can be used as a tool of resistance to social domination and control.
Critical Discourse Analysis
What is critical discourse analysis? Click here for a description from UCLA.
Queer Theory
What is queer theory? Click here to read a brief description from the University of Illinois. Click here for a recommended reading list from Brown University.
Post Structuralism
What is post structuralism? Click here to read a description from E-International Relations.
Feminist Post Structuralism
What is feminist post structuralism? Click here to read a journal article from Academia.