Critical Theory and the Middle East Essay Example for Free

Critical Theory and the put East EssayCritical theory is very tackled by two different intellectual traditions from which the term is derived precise theory in literary studies and critical friendly theory. The former is primarily a form of hermeneutics, or friendship that is gained through the interpretation in the mis good-looking of the meanings presented through human texts and symbolic expressions.On the former(a) hand, the latter is a form of k nowadaysledge that is self-reflective which involves both understanding and theoretical explanation which intend reduction of entrapment within systems like domination and dependence, in the advancement of emancipator interest to expand autonomy and reduce domination. Critical theory from a sociological perspective, is best defined as that tender theory that is in contrast to nearly of the principles of the 20th vitamin C positivism, and is, in fact, sometimes referred to as negative philosophy.Contrary to the general idea that knowledge comes from mints sense-experience, critical theory proposes rationalism which posits that the source of knowledge and the source of common humanity is the fact that earth are rational beings. This paper adopts the sociological perspective of critical theory, and relates it with the Middle East scenario, taking Qatar into ill-tempered focus, as an example of the Middle East countries. Historical BackgroundThe c erstpt of critical theory dates as early as 1937, with Max Horkheimer of Frankfurt School giving meaning to it as a social theory that is oriented toward critiquing and changing the hostel in general, contrary to the traditional theory that is oriented exactly in the understanding or explaining the society. almost accounts of the theory closely link it with the Frankfurt School of well-disposed Research (or Frankfurt School which later became the International Institute for Research at Columbia University, newfound York in 1933), while some trace its or igins to as far back through Hegelianism and Western Marxism.Most of the key contri plainlyors to the theory are employed at the Frankfurt Institute, like Theodore W. Adorno, Herbert Marcuse, along with Hokheimer who was the Institutes Director at that time. The other contributors who were not employed at the Institute were Walter Benjamin and Ernst Bloch, both create their materials in the Institutes journal as well as engaged in other activities of the Institute. Later on, in 1945, a certain Hannah Arendt also helped by extending the concern for liberation as true in the works of the Institute.After 1945, in Germ any, Jurgen Habermas and Axel Honeth continued the advancement of critical social theory. Marxs bewitch on the Critical Theory It has been said by analysts of today that the common thread between and among the German critical theory and the French post-structuralism is that they are both anchored on Karl Marxs theory of social tilt, which for the most part proposes f or philosophers and thinkers to not just interpret the world, but rather remove it.Such Marxian theory has been revised by critical theorists to posit that the critical theory rests on the concept of intervention which comes from appropriate understanding of the gone and present conditions which provides adequate insight towards change, or possibilities of it. Further down the history of critical theory, Marxs spectacular influence can be traced with the Praxis School, which was a Marxist humanist philosophical movement originating from Zagreb and capital of Serbia and Montenegro in Yugoslavia in the 1960s.This Praxis School was closely linked with the Frankfurt School and the Critical Theory. In fact, the term critical theory is derived from Marxs concept about his work Capital as a form of critique of political economy. Middle East in Context The Middle East or the Muslim world in particular, has been perceived by the rest of the world as an oppressive society where only men a pply the freedom to live the way they want to live, while women are crush and stay in the shadows of their men.It is anchored basically on the Islamic teachings which pitch shaped the Muslim volumes beliefs, culture and traditions. In a traditional Muslim society, the women are raised and trained to obey and aid men without questions or opinions. Muslim women are not allowed to decide on anything, even for their own face-to-face concerns, since it is the men who have the right to decide this comes from the practice of betrothing the women, and the men paying dowry for the women they marry. This technically makes the women possessions of men. by dint of the years, the plight of Muslim women who also want to pursue careers, who also want to live freely and have more(prenominal) options than to be betrothed and raise a family, have been slowly heard by the world. by means of the years, things have changed dramatically and drastically in the Muslim World. Contemporary Muslim soc ieties have successful Muslim women on boob tube talking about pleasurable sex, albeit maintaining that it be in the context of marriage, but still, such freedom to speak about sex in public was a big proscribed in years past.Qatars Shiekah Muzah Bint Nasser Al Misned, is another example of an emancipated lot of Muslim women now successfully treading career paths that were never trodden before. How did it all happen? What brought about such changes in the society that was once repressive but now tolerate and allow women to have choices? Critical Theory in the Middle East (Qatar) The Middle East, particularly Qatar, has gone through a lot of upheavals, significantly changing the social, political and cultural decorate of the nation.Applying the critical social theory, which seeks to critically study the interrelated facets of society political, economic and social with interventions appropriately ground on understanding, Qatari society has been led by its leaders into a more tol erant society in the interest of further development and advancement. Looking back to the socio-political and economic landscape that gave birth to the Marxian theory and the critical theory, it was a repressive society and constrictive governmental policies that were sought to change by the proponents.Mere analysis and understanding of such society and government were not enough, and thus interventions based on appropriate understanding was proposed. The Qatari situation is no different. Awakening to the real situation, deep understanding of them, led the people and the leaders to create changes which now manifest in its media, which is rich in stories of women achievers. star of the leading women figures in Qatar is none other Her Highness Shiekah Muzah Bint Nasser Al Misned, who heads the nations Qatar Foundation for Education, experience and Community Development. SummaryThe sociological definition of critical theory generally posits that it is necessary that matters be tackle d in a multi-dimensional perspective, and that rationalism is as a key to understanding situations need to be coupled with interventions. In societies where societal norms tend to repress some sectors freedom, it is a necessity to pursue a critical brainpower of the situation and provide measures to address the issues. In Qatar, for instance, the nation underwent various upheavals which significantly changed its social, political, cultural and economic scenarios, giving freedom to women as they have never experienced before.Personal Opinion Oppression or repression of any kind is always an unpleasant situation, much less to a more vulnerable group in the society, the women. History is replete with situations of oppression and repression, and almost all those situations ended up wrecking nations, which means that ultimately, the people are wrecked as the ultimate victims. The proponents of critical social theory emphasizes the rational nature of people which, if given deeper interpr etation, only emphasizes that as rational beings, people must be treated as such, rational.Further, the arguing of Marx that it is not enough for people or philosophers to merely interpret society, but rather must change it, rings a bell of truth in the contemporary times. For instance, in the Middle East, much have been written about the societal repression, but only recently have changes been felt and manifest. Only when some things have been done to change the situation. References Ahmed, L. , 1993, Women and Gender in Islam Historical Roots of a Modern postulate Edition reissue, illustrated, Published by Yale University Press, 1993.Calhoun, C. J. , 1995, Critical social theory culture, history, and the challenge of difference, Edition reprint, Published by Wiley-Blackwell, 1995. Held, D. , 1980, Introduction to critical theory Horkheimer to Habermas,Published by University of California Press, 1980. Swank, A. ,2007, Sexual healing How big is kalaam kibeer? , Arab Media and Soc iety. Issue 2, pass 2007, Published by The American University in Cairo. UNDP-POGAR, 2007, Women in public life, gender and women, Gender and Citizenship Initiative, 2007.