Standpoint Theory Humanist theory 1 Goals a To control b To create social change Values REALLY matter i Something is wrong with our society and it needs to change 2 Theory Itself a Provides framework for understanding and criticizing systems of power b People s experiences knowledge and communication behaviors are shaped by the social groups to which they belong i All of us fit into this power hierarchy in some way 1 For me my perceptions of reality are shaped by the fact that I am a white woman 2 Society treats me a certain way because of this and that is how I draw my conclusions i Everyone gets a voice everyone s perceptions are okay and correct because they are based on ii No one person s perspective is better or worse we all have value because we see things through ii Gender Race Religion Class etc c Gives authority to people s own voice individual experiences our own position standpoint in society 3 History a George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel 1807 i German Philosopher ii Analyzes the master slave relationship 1 Ones view of slavery is dependent on whether you are were the master or the slave 2 Masters believe slavery is okay economically essential etc 3 Slaves believe slavery is inhumane oppressive etc b Karl Marx Social class shapes access to knowledge c Nancy Hartsock 1983 i Adapted standpoint theory to examine relationships between men and women ii Feminist theory Current social structure is oppressive to women and must be changed 1 Social structure is created by white middle class male 2 Sex or gender is a central focus of theory a Sex Biological entity we are either male or we are female b Gender Psychological entity we are either masculine or feminine 3 Sex or gender relations are viewed as problematic There is an inequality between men and women 4 Sex or gender relations are viewed as changeable Relationships between men and women can change they do not always have to be unequal 5 Challenges the status quo when it devalues women 4 Assumptions of Standpoint Theory a Social world consists of many different positions within a social hierarchy b A person s location within the class structure shapes and limits that person s perspective on social life i Positions in hierarchy shape our experiences our society values certain standpoints positions in the hierarchy over others 1 Some of us will have more positive positions while some of us will have more negative ones c Each person only sees society as it appears from the perspective of his her social group i All perspectives are partial biased ii Perspective of ruling group can harm subordinate groups d The ruling group structures life to remove some choices from subordinate groups higher order groups achievement group i Vest interest in maintaining place is hierarchy everyone must follow laws rules procedures of e The vision of the subordinate group represents a struggle and an achievement i If you can figure out how the white man s world operates and be successful in it then that is in an ii Struggle leads to a more accurate vision of social relations for subordinate group than ruling iii Marginalized groups have clearest perspective on society f Marginalized groups see inequalities and can change the world for the better i They should come together stand up give speeches and show the world that such inequalities exist 5 Key Concepts a Standpoint A location shared by a group within a social structure that lends to a particular kind of sense making to a person s lived experiences i Standpoints are partial is a result of our experiences b Situated Knowledge s A person s knowledge is grounded in context and circumstances what we learn c Sexual Division of Labor Men and women engage in different occupations based on sex i This exploits women The opportunities available to women have been less of value than those available to men 6 Role of Communication a Society s views are taught and sustained through communication b We use communication to accept or reject society s views c We can use communication change society s views i Heuristic Provocative controversy sparking theory i Essentialism Generalizing to all members of a group making them essentially the same 7 Critique of ST a Positives b Negative
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