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Being A Critical Sociologist
Name
Institutional
Course
Professor
Date
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Y
Being A Critical Sociologist
To public sociologists and sociology students, I present my simple ideas and advice so
that you can understand how different people and corporations interact with society. My
sociological perspectives align with Karl Marx, one of the most significant critical sociologists.
The scholar focused on society’s socio-economic structures and analysed the capitalist system
and its impact on the working class. However, identifying myself as a critical sociologist might
be challenging, especially when subscribing to a particular political economy or feminist
ideologies. Indeed, the critical theory of sociology is sometimes spoken on a lighter note to
justify a generic review of sociological literature. By the time I conclude my speech, you should
have a good idea of what sets me apart from the average sociologist and the reasons why I do not
only believe in policy reform or professional opinions. I will first establish a clear ecumenical
definition of critical theory and provide a general evaluation. Likewise, I will explain the
relationship between critical theory and sociology and establish a concise distinction between
Karl Marx and other political-economic theories. To understand the foundations of the critical
theory, I will discuss social psychology focusing on the concepts of domination and freedom (or
emancipation, giving examples) and the problems associated with advanced capitalism and social
conflict.
It is essential to mention that Horkheimer and Hebert Marcuse developed the critical
theory in the early 1930s. The two philosophers attempted to provide a pragmatic approach to
expressing what they deemed a critical Marxist approach in society. The word critical is used
from an epistemological point of view distinct from what many might consider as criticism or a
negative assessment of things. I identify with postmodernists because society is constantly
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changing and evolving. I believe that there is no single “truth” or “reality” in the world and that
the idea of a single “right” answer is a false one. Knowledge is socially constructed, and that
power is essential in determining what knowledge is accepted and is not. I am afraid I have to
disagree with postmodernists despite believing that there is still the possibility of progress and
advancement in our society. While change is inevitable, there is still the potential for meaningful
and positive change if we collaborate to create it. The philosophers wanted early Marxism
writings’ audience to critically examine Marx’s literature to identify the subjectivity and
objectivity ideals when analysing a social problem (Bovin et al., 2018). Over time, critical theory
has evolved and undergone several changes and expanded to include interdisciplinary
materialism issues.
Additionally, the rise of fascism and the violation of the German working class also
influenced later definitions of critical theory. After the post-war, many sociologists criticised
Marx’s theoretical traditions and systems and claimed that we could not continue to follow them
(Boltanski, 2019). These modern sociologists now argue that critical theory in its current form
should be considered an independent aspect of our social thought. I base my arguments on the
Frankfurt School critical theory, which defines critical sociology as a comprehensive account of
sociological activities and social issues affecting people in a technocratic society. Critical
sociology focuses on issues of democracy, class, gender, cultural diversity, and citizenship,
among others. It then provides a critical assessment (rather than just passing a moral judgment)
of how these social issues impact, shape, or influence human experiences. A critical sociologist
critically investigates a social issue by getting to the root cause and then supports and advocates
for a change by mobilising other people to join hands and tackle the problem (Fuchs, 2021). This
is a process that I have supported for many years.
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Although critical theory is sometimes deemed controversial because of how it critiques
positivism, it is essential to note that this theory does not go against the tenets or principles of
empirical studies (Boltanski, 2019). The critical theory does not question the knowledge-guiding
principles of critical-emancipatory, hermeneutical historical, or even empirical-analytical.
Critical theory only demands that these three instruments of knowledge only critically base their
arguments and self-understanding on reason and concerning each other and that no one body
should consider itself more dominant than the other.
As indicated earlier, my role as a critical sociologist comprises critically identifying a
social problem, employing sociological imagination to explain the reality of its existence,
creating public concern and attempting to find a long-lasting solution. It is vital for sociology
students and public sociologists to note that how an issue becomes a social problem is based not
only on the reality of its existence but also on the level at which the general public is concerned.
The public is unaware of many worldwide social issues requiring critical sociological
investigations. For instance, in the 1950s, extreme poverty ravaged several parts of the United
States. Surprisingly, most stakeholders, including the federal government, were unaware of the
social problem that adversely affected the citizens. It took Michael Harrington’s interventions,
including writing the book “The Other America” in 1962, to raise awareness that attracted
President John F. Kennedy. Later, the book’s prominence grew, and many American universities
assigned their students to study it. Consequently, Americans began to perceive poverty as a
social problem that needed quick intervention.
Similarly, the government developed programs dubbed ‘war on poverty – these are the
programs that many Americans are enjoying even today (including Medicaid, Medicare, food
stamps, and social security benefits) ((Boltanski, 2019)). Other social problems such as poor
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leadership, immigration (foreign aliens), corruption, cost of living, and preventable diseases due
to advanced capitalism require solutions. Thus, as a critical sociologist, my duties include
highlighting these social issues, creating public concern, and convincing stakeholders to
cooperate in bettering societies by addressing them.
I also oppose the economic concept of advanced capitalism grounded on social and
cultural policies that encourage and glorify riches and accumulation of wealth with total
disregard for the social well-being of others. Critical sociology implies that a person in a
privileged financial position, including owners of capital, should consider designing their
production techniques to serve everyone, particularly the ordinary citizens who depend on it for
survival (Boltanski, 2019). The current social crisis, including crime in liberal democracies, is
related to advanced capitalism rooted in Neo-Marxist ideologies. Accordingly, critical
sociologists have established movements that seek to implement social change that will
conceptualise and address the harmful conditions and offer solutions that can transform our
society. Thus, critical sociology has a massive influence on political philosophies that can shape
the future of our generations.
Furthermore, I support Becker and Suckert (2021), who proclaim that a personal issue
can become a social problem only when society accepts to view social forces as the cause (my
problem) and not my character traits. For instance, various criminal gangs exist in the United
States, especially within the African-American communities in cities such as Los Angeles and
New Orleans. As a critical sociologist, I believe that gang violence is a social problem resulting
from advanced capitalism that primarily affects the Black community. During and after the
Second World War, Los Angeles experienced increased industrial developments. There were
automobile factories, manufacturing industries, and major corporations that employed many
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Black people who could afford to buy homes and live a comfortable middle-class life (Burawoy,
2022). The working-class members supported their families based on stable incomes from
economic empowerment. However, most of them would no longer manage such responsibilities
due to job losses due to industrial issues that included the automation of operations and
relocation of companies to other countries.
Consequently, such developments lead to family issues such as divorces and single
parenthood that mostly involved mothers as breadwinners and caregivers. Other social vices,
such as juvenile criminal gangs, also increased due to weakened family structures and the
absence of male figures to mentor children. The powerful gangs offered the children the missing
family status since they interacted with older ones who acted as role models to facilitate their
economic flourishment. As a result, in the late 1980s, the nation registered increasing criminal
injustices such as homicide among young Blacks (Burawoy, 2022). To reinstate my earlier
argument, I can confidently state that these social problems originate from advanced capitalism,
among other factors. Only through critical sociology can one apply sociological imagination,
examine the root causes, and offer a more accurate picture of the social problem of gang violence
and drugs in the said regions (Beckert & Suckert, 2021). Thus, such incidents help sociologists to
understand other social issues, including rising gang violence and drugs in New Orleans or Los
Angeles due to the inherently immoral characteristic of young black.
Professional and policy theories advocate for technological nationalism and efficiency in
production. However, they do not question or propose solutions to the decaying social aspects of
society. Besides, self-evaluation is vital in critically assessing such issues to understand the
bigger perspective. The principal contrast between critical theory and the rest based on policy
and professionalism includes the commitment to explaining why things are the way they are as
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opposed to passing a moral judgment on social problems. Thus, one requires critical sociological
principles to adequately explain the accurate picture of social problems and their existing
realities. Therefore, convincing the public that such issues require social solutions is vital. I wish
to encourage sociology students to always be critical and have a broader perspective instead of
judging others based on their character and avoiding external influences.
Overall, I believe that solving a social problem is always possible with the will and a
straightforward course of action. Nevertheless, an intervention’s effectiveness still needs critical
evaluations, including professionals and policymakers. Based on the paper’s discussion, I
consider myself a critical sociologist who can apply sociological imagination to identify an issue,
capture the public’s attention, convince the people that something must be done, and finally offer
a realistic and long-lasting solution. I also hope that future sociology students should accept
Frankfurt’s perspectives, apply sociological imagination, and assess issues from a critical point
of view – never pass moral judgment on social problems.
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References
Beckert, J., & Suckert, L. (2021). The future is a social fact. The analysis of perceptions of the
future in sociology. Poetics, 84, 101499. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poetic.2020.101499.
Boltanski, L. (2019). Critical Sociology and Sociology of Critique. Graw, Isabelle/Menke,
Christoph (Hg.): The Value of Critique. Exploring the Interrelations of Value, Critique,
and Artistic Labour, S, 129-138.
Bonvin, J. Michael, Laruffa, F, & Rosenstein, E. (2018). Towards a critical sociology of
democracy: The potential of the capability approach. Critical Sociology, 44(6), 953-968.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0896920517701273.
Burawoy, M. (2022). Walking on two legs: Black Marxism and the Sociological Canon. Critical
Sociology, 48(4-5), 571-586. https://doi.org.1177/08969205221085641.
Fuchs, C. (2021). What is Critical Theory? In Foundations of Critical Theory (pp. 17–51).
Routledge.