Essay On Critical Race Theory

My theoretical tendencies on social change are most aligned with critical theory. This is not because I am overly critical of all aspects of society, however, I am most often critical of the structural systems in place that appear to work as machines of oppression and interest groups rather than social justice and equality. This personal predisposition supports an approach that is congruent with structural social work theory. Structural social work critiques existing social, economic, and political institutions and practices while at the same time seeking to change them (Mullaly, 1997). My theoretical leaning toward critical theory is sometimes in disagreement with my personal approach to individual people. I feel that we as a people, and to a larger extent organizations and politicians, run the risk of being critical to the point where we alienate people and have nothing positive to say about the world or the environment that …show more content…
In the community I live and work the contrast of wealth between non-indigenous and indigenous communities is quite obvious to the any observer so I come to this theoretical perspective naturally. Due to the inequalities that exist within our community we are continuously surrounded by the notion of “otherness” with respect to race, culture and community. The nearby community of Smithers, BC acts as a central hub for services in the surrounding communities and the home to a perceived elite group with a large population base made up of white male bureaucratic government workers and business owners. The money that keeps the Smithers economy going is largely driven by the poorer outside communities whether through the resources on the land or government services that exist due to the ongoing legacy of